Plus, Columbia Blue Zone talks.
 
April 1, 2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
Artisphere

Today’s Forecast

85º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. | Sunset 7:45 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

From our friends at WLTX

 
💫 Let’s get astronomical
A photo of the starry night sky at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
Views of the night sky go for miles at PARI. | Photo by Tim Reaves
We’re seeing stars. Between this year’s total solar eclipse, four supermoons, and a host of other happenings in the night sky, 2024 will be a great year for stargazing. Here’s what, how, and where to watch.

Total solar eclipse

An eclipse is any event where an astronomical body gets obscured, either by a shadow or by another body.

This year will see a total solar eclipse cross the US on Monday, April 8, as the moon completely blocks out the sun. It will be visible in Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, to name a few states in its path.

A map of the US showing the paths of totality for the 2023 and 2024 Total Solar Ecplipses, with description text by NASA. The yellow 2023 line crosses from Oregon through Texas, while the blue 2024 line crosses up from Texas through Maine.

These calculations are heavy duty — you’re looking for the blue line. | Photo via NASA

If you’re anywhere near the path of totality, it’s worth the drive: total solar eclipses only occur at the same spot once every 375 years. Cola’s most recent totality was August 21, 2017 — and it won’t see another until May 11, 2078.

Totality will last only four minutes. Exact start times vary by state but will range from 1:40 p.m. in Fort Worth, TX to 3:18 p.m. in Buffalo, NY (local time). Around those times — and in cities outside of the path of totality — a partial eclipse will be visible.

To safely view the whole eclipse, invest in a pair of solar viewers. These will help you safely watch the partial eclipse, though during totality it’s safe to catch the spectacle with the naked eye.

How to watch

Light pollution in urban centers means that a clear night sky is hard to come by. Luckily, you have two options:
 
 
Events
 
Monday, April 1
  • Crafternoon: Perler Beads | Monday, April 1 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Richland Library Sandhills, Columbia | Free | Make perler bead creations using patterns or design an original piece.
Tuesday, April 2
  • Silent Book Club | Tuesday, April 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel, 1619 Pendleton St., Columbia | Free | No discussion is required but will be available before and after a silent reading hour.
Wednesday, April 3
Thursday, April 4
  • Midlands Clay Arts Society Spring Sale | Thursday, April 4-Saturday, April 6 | Times vary | Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., Columbia | Free | Local ceramic artists will showcase their sculptural, functional, and whimsical wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramic art.
Friday, April 5
  • Live at Loveland | Friday, April 5 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Loveland Coffee, 7475 Carlisle St., Irmo | Free | Enjoy listening to talented musicians + connecting with the community.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
▼SPONSORED▼
Film
 
See your furry best friend in a whole new light
Children sit in a theater as they watch an IMAX film titled 'Superpower Dogs' inside a digital dome at the South Carolina State Museum.
Embark on an immersive journey inside the 55-foot digital dome BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium. | Photo provided by South Carolina State Museum
If you’re a dog lover like us, you probably can’t get enough of your four-legged pals. But did you know that man’s best friend has secret superpowers beyond fetching toys and puppy cuddles?

Get ready for an immersive adventure at the South Carolina State Museum’s Planetarium with “Superpower Dogs”. You’ll witness the incredible bravery of these heroic dogs and their human sidekicks, from fighting crime to saving lives across the globe.
 
News Notes
 
Sports
  • The Gamecock women’s basketball team defeated Oregon State yesterday 70 to 58, advancing to the Final Four round in the NCAA tournament. They will play NC State on Friday, April 5. (Gamecocks Online)
Civic
  • Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Blue Zones’ Margaret Brown are hosting a community forum on adopting healthier living practices to extend life expectancy. Register to learn how Columbia could become a Blue Zone this evening from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Segra Park Club Lounge.
Biz
  • The SC Council of Competitiveness has unveiled SCAN, an interactive tool linking SC industries and educational assets to spur collaboration and growth. Highlighting opportunities for innovation and employment, SCAN invites companies to join its network. (WLTX)
Eat
  • The Tree of Life’s Big Nosh event at 6719 N. Trenholm Rd. returns on Sunday, May 5, serving Jewish food favorites such as latkes, kugel, and matzah ball soup. The event also features a bake sale, sanctuary tours, and a mock wedding for a taste of Jewish traditions.
State
  • SC’s U-pick strawberry season is underway, launching spring agritourism. As part of the expanding agritourism sector, this season not only offers delicious strawberries but will also educate visitors on local foods. Find a farm near you.
Cause
  • Join the Vista Neighborhood Association and Vista Guild for the 2nd Annual Alley Golf Fundraiser on Saturday, April 6. Compete in mini golf across Vista’s alleyways, win prizes, and support local art and beautification projects during Masters Week.
Featured Deal
Listen
  • How does signing Jadeveon Clowney impact the Carolina Panthers approach to the 2024 NFL Draft? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Wellness
    • Designed with conversation in mind, these game-changing hearing aids feature crystal-clear sound in a sleek, discreet design. Enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions — even in the noisiest environments. Join 385,000+ happy customers and start your 45-day, no-risk trial today.*
     
    Sports
     
    🏀 Prepare the Gatorade bath
    Joyce Edwards_2.jpg
    Camden High School student Joyce Edwards was named Garotade Player of the Year. | Photo by Joe Greer
    Juju Watkins, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Kiki Rice, and now Camden High School’s Joyce Edwards. That’s a list of recent Gatorade National Players of the Year.

    Selected from over 500,000 athletes, the honor celebrates Joyce’s excellence in sports and community leadership and cements her name with the likes of WNBA MVPs and Hall of Famers.

    We’ve seen what Joyce Edwards can do on the court, but her Gatorade POY win also highlights her leadership off it. Besides her basketball prowess, Edwards shines as an all-state soccer player, National Beta Club and Honor Society member, and community volunteer, embodying the spirit of a student-athlete.
     
    The Buy
     
    The Song of Everything Book to celebrate National Poetry Month. This poetic journey takes an adventure through South Carolina’s State Parks.
     
    Share COLAtoday
     
    ReferralGIF1-COLA.gif

    Share the good news. Get rewarded.

    Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

    {{profile.vars.rh_reflink_10}}
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

    {{profile.vars.rh_totref_10}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
    Claim your rewards
     
     
    The Wrap
     
    David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt Today’s edition by:
    David
    From the editor
    When the sun and the moon met up above Cola in 2017, we camped on Dreher Island and watched the eclipse from Lake Murray. I’m looking forward to watching the coverage from our friends at SATXtoday.
    Missed our previous newsletter?      ›
    Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback      ›
    Advertise      ›
    Shop      ›
     
     

    Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

    Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

    Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

    P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

    ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | SHOP