In The Shadow of the Moon -- 2017 Solar Eclipse in Independence, Oregon Round Beach Towel

On the morning of August 21, 2017, the shadow of the moon crossed the continental United States from Oregon to South Carolina. For those lucky enough to be along the path of the shadow, the sun vanished behind the moon for a brief period, the world fell into twilight, and a remarkable astronomical phenomenon appeared in the sky.

After two minutes behind the moon, the sun peeked out and I captured this image.

The Earth is treated to a total eclipse of the sun every 18 months - not as rare an event as you might think. The trick is being where the eclipse will be visible. Since over 70% of the Earth is covered in water, most eclipses occur where nobody but a few lucky boaters will see them, and when they do hit land they cross a small part of a continent. Hopefully in a place that's easily accessible. And if you're lucky enough to live on the path of totality of one eclipse, the next won't hit the same spot for an average of nearly 400 years.

I have been photographing the things I see for over thirty years. A resident of San Luis Obispo County, I'm lucky to have many excellent photo destinations within a few minutes' or hours' drive. Beyond the local area, I have traveled throughout California and the western United States, visited far away American destinations such as Chicago, New York, Florida, and Alaska, and international destinations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. My photography varies from Architecture to Industrial Art to Nature to Wildlife and I'm sure you'll find something suitable for your home or office. Visit my blog