Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Solar Eclipse Hysteria

Solar eclipse hysteria is upon us with news reports about profiteers selling fake safety glasses and Amazon giving refunds, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Astronomical Society warning about the risks of eye damage.

Google Trends illustrates that searches about the eclipse, especially "interest by region," mirrors the path of totality.

Google Trends
The Wall Street Journal reports that Jackson, Wyoming, will be swarmed with crowds as it falls right in the path: Oh No, Here Come the Solar Eclipse Hordes.

Even the 1st Interstate Motel nearly 300 miles away in Casper, Wyoming has gotten into act, commanding well over $1,000 per night for rooms that usually book for under $100.

Easily the most witless and ridiculed example of eclipse hysteria was the article by Matt Rocheleau at the Boston Globe that strained much too hard to connect the path of totality to Trump voters: The Solar Eclipse Path Will Overwhelmingly Pass Over Trump Country.

Boston Globe
For better or worse, the 70-mile-wide swath of eclipse totality could be anywhere and still overwhelmingly pass over Trump Country. Something tells me the Sun and Moon have always risen above politics.

Washington Post ~ 2016 Election Results by Precinct

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