Today’s eclipse is particularly special because the narrow path of totality spans a diagonal line across America from Oregon to South Carolina where totality describes the brief moment when the moon is completely in front of the sun and only the sun’s corona will shimmer in the darkened sky.

Kentucky experiences the longest eclipse duration and Paducah, where we are staying, is part of a narrow path in which the total solar eclipse will last for two minutes and 21 seconds!  The entire process from when the eclipse begins to when the moon no longer blocks the sun takes around three hours.

During Mike’s career, he had the opportunity to work with the DeCillis brothers – Jim and Tom – who, on retiring, settled in Paducah along with their brother, Mum & Dad, and cousin. It was with the extended DeCillis family that we are able to enjoy a party at Jim’s house which has a roof-top patio and a perfect view of the eclipse.

Jim is a master of detail “extraordinaire” and he set everything up for the party with food (moon pies, Blue Moon beer), eclipse glasses, custom T-shirts and of course, music from Pink Floyd’s album “Dark Side of the Moon” including the track “Eclipse.” We had a blast!

Poppy wearing her eclipse glasses!

Above. before the eclipse, from left: Tom DeCillis, Mike, Jim DeCillis.

Below, after the eclipse!

The Paducah Eclipsers! Back row, from left: Phil Fetterman, Mike, Jim DeCillis, Chris, Doris DeCillis, Pat DeCillis, Daryl Schaefer, Jim Schaefer, Tom DeCillis. Front row, from left: Patrick DeCillis, Me and Miss Poppy!