Judy and Jay Anderson will soon leave on their vacation to one of the most exclusive spots in the world – Wyoming.
"I like the scenery around the Teton mountains," Jay explained
But it isn't the mountain scenery that has sold out hotels in the area. It's the sun, which on Aug. 21 will offer sky watchers like the Andersons a total eclipse.
"The sun is about 400 times larger than the moon in our sky," Manitoba Museum Science Educator Dana Kowalsky explained. "But the moon is 400 times closer to us, so it essentially covers the sun perfectly."
When this happens, it is quite a sight to behold.
"It's so beautiful! The light gets silvery and kind of liquid,” Judy said.
"Honestly, there is nothing like it.”
A total solar eclipse hasn't happened over the United States since 1979, but other countries have experienced the phenomena; Svalbard in 2015; Egypt in 2006; and Madagascar in 2001.
Jay and Judy were there for them all, and hope the tradition continues.
"This one coming up will be our 30th eclipse," Jay said.
For Jay, a former meteorologist with Environment Canada, there's something very profound about the experience.
"When you see the eclipse and you watch the moon gradually moving till it’s right in front of the sun, you suddenly feel connected with the solar system."
"The observations are just so fascinating," Judy explained. "And I try to soak as much in, and then I try and draw it afterwards so I remember what I've seen."
It’s a phenomena that lasts only minutes in the heavens, but is remembered for a lifetime by the people lucky enough to see it.
