Did you hear? A major celestial event crossed the Missouri and Illinois skies on Monday, Aug. 21. St. Louis on the Air had you covered with a two-hour special during the eclipse.
From 12 – 2 p.m. on Monday, St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh brought you a two-hour special program about the total solar eclipse, discussing the cultural, scientific, economic, and celestial phenomena.
Listeners and reporters from across the region described what they saw and heard. Scientists and researchers shared what they learned and we heard about eclipses from days of yore. Take a listen to relive the eclipse as-it happened. And scroll through the slideshow above to see what the eclipse looked like from around the region.
We want to hear from you: What did you see, hear, and learn from the eclipse? Where were you? Leave us a voicemail at 314-329-4937 with your insights, along with your first and last name and where you’re calling from. We may use your response on Tuesday's program.
In the meantime, here’s a podcast playlist of St. Louis on the Air coverage of the eclipse up to this point.
YOUR TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST
1. 6 things to know about the Aug. 21 solar eclipse over St. Louis, from an author who has seen 5
Author David Baron is the definition of an umbraphile (an eclipse chaser). He’s traveled the world to see five and written a book about the scientific experiments surrounding the total solar eclipse of 1878, “American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World.”
2. Solar Eclipse Eye Safety 101: 'How do I know if my solar eclipse glasses are legitimate?'
Rule #1: The only time it is safe to look directly at the sun is when the eclipse has reached totality. You’ll know that by the fact you won’t be able to see ~any light~ through your eclipse glasses at that point.
3. What did solar eclipses mean to people living in ancient times?
From Babylonians’ scientific tracking of eclipses to frequent myth and lore about the relationship between solar eclipses and animal feeding habits, we discussed how old views of solar eclipses impact our viewing of them today.
4. Want to be an amateur astronomer come the solar eclipse on Aug. 21? Here’s how.
What should you look for as the eclipse approaches totality? From Baily’s Beads to the solar corona, here’s how you can sound more knowledgeable than your friends.
5. Missouri-born NASA astronaut's insights into the Aug. 21 solar eclipse
What will Janet Kavandi, a Missouri-born former NASA astronaut and director of the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, be looking for as she observes the eclipse from Jefferson City with a NASA research team?
BONUS TUNES!
We’ve got your podcast playlist above, but if you need a musical interlude, take a listen to our solar eclipse playlist here.
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
