On the recordJuly 26, 2017
On August 21, a total solar eclipse will stretch from coast to coast in the United States for the first time in 99 years, and I am proud to say that my district in southern Illinois is the prime viewing spot. In fact, my home county of Jackson County near Carbondale, and also my front yard, is where the eclipse will be at its apex. For 2 minutes and 38 seconds, it will be like total darkness in the middle of the day. The city's population of 26,000 is expected to multiply many times over from visitors around the world coming for tourism and to see this astronomical Super Bowl. So I would encourage my colleagues and the American people to visit for some world championship southern Illinois barbecue, the beautiful outdoors, the wonderful wineries, and welcome one and all people for the best viewing moments of this solar eclipse. ____________________
