Today’s Solar Eclipse Reminds Us of Our Preparedness Journey

Power outages plunging us into sudden darkness occur more frequently than we would like.

A total solar eclipse plunging us into sudden twilight – such as the one happening today – is much rarer. In fact, the next total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. will not occur for another 20 years.

This extraordinary celestial phenomenon happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. Blocking the face of the sun for a short time.

For those who remember the 2017 total solar eclipse, today’s will be even more dramatic. The path of totality is nearly 60% wider. And the duration of the eclipse will be about 60% longer.

Check Out the Path of Totality

Those along the 115-mile-wide path of totality will observe a total solar eclipse. For some, it will last 4½ minutes.

That path will begin in Texas and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois.

As well as Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Plus New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

In addition, small sections of Tennessee and Michigan will experience the total solar eclipse. Others in the U.S. will see a partial eclipse.

The Road to a Better View

Many Americans have already traveled for an improved view of today’s eclipse. Michael Zeiler is an expert solar eclipse cartographer. He estimated that 4 million people have done just that. He compared that number to the country’s biggest sporting event.

“When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse,” he said, “we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation. From Texas to Maine.” 

Of course, a Super Bowl lasts four quarters, not four minutes. But many who have observed a total solar eclipse believe it’s worth the effort. They describe it as a visceral experience – deep and dramatic.

Bright sunlight transitions into an eerie twilight in a matter of seconds. It’s possible to see some stars and planets that ordinarily would not be visible during the day. 

Recalling the 2017 Eclipse

During the 2017 total solar eclipse, Nashville, Tennessee was the largest U.S. city in the eclipse’s path of totality. 

Many of us stepped out of our 4Patriots offices to view this natural marvel. We cooked burgers and hotdogs on the back deck of our Patriot Headquarters. We invited friends and family, and handed out glasses to watch the eclipse. 

It was so dark during the total eclipse, it looked like nighttime. And the streetlamps turned on:  

This was the view from our headquarters’ back patio. And if you’re anything like me, it will give you goosebumps: 

A Mind-Blowing Celestial Event

The solar eclipse was nothing less than sensational. The wonder of this event was all any of us could talk about for much of the day.

For me, the eclipse was a stirring reminder of the awesome forces of nature that keep us alive every day. 

Just think… a giant ball of fire 93 million miles away sustains life on this planet. While our one and only satellite 240,000 miles away stabilizes the Earth’s rotation. And causes magnificent tides. 

It’s just incredible to ponder. 

Solar Got Us Started 

But the eclipse was also a reminder of how far 4Patriots has come in 16 years. And of how grateful I am to you for your support. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Why was I thinking along those lines? Because our very first product – the one that launched us as a company in 2008 and put us on the map – was solar-related.

Power4Patriots is our series of videos and manuals teaching people how to build their own solar panels. As well as wind turbines, water heaters, and solar heaters.

Solar energy has always been a part of our DNA at 4Patriots. From that first Power4Patriots product to our more recent solar-powered generator, the Patriot Power Generator 2000X.

And on a deeper level, this theme also represents our essence as a company.

Nature Is Our Preparedness Guide

We’ve taken what nature has provided – food, water, and power. And we’ve crafted all our products around the idea of an uncertain future. But you can prepare for it in tangible ways to protect yourselves and your families. 

We take the best tasting and most nutritious food nature can give us. And use modern-day methods to make sure it will still be good up to 25 years from now. Guaranteeing it will be ready no matter when you need it.

We take our planet’s water. And use sophisticated methods to remove up to 99 percent of the contaminations that spoil it. Ensuring you always have delicious, safer, and cleaner water to drink.

We take the power of the sun to charge our generators so they can supply potentially life-saving energy. For when the electric grid fails and you need it the most.

You Are the Reason 4Patriots Exists

Of course, this all comes back to self-reliance. 

We can’t control when the sun will shine. Or when the moon will cross between it and our Earth.

But we can certainly bask in the beauty of a natural phenomenon such as a solar eclipse. And we can definitely control how prepared we are. Regardless of whatever natural or manmade disasters may be carving a path toward us.

Thanks for taking this journey with us. I couldn’t imagine being on it without you!