The point of greatest eclipse (totality phase during 2 min 40 sec) lies in Kentucky. However the point of longest duration with 2 min 41.6 sec is located in southern Illinois. Although there is not any material difference between points of greatest eclipse, maximum eclipse, and corrected longest eclipse, local boosterism will likely be intense with claims and counter-claims about the best location. More importantly, people have to understand and adopt a strategy for eclipse success factoring weather, mobility, etc. These points of longest eclipse are almost meaningless in that context, nevertheless I can envision people crowding on a farm at the cloudy point of longest duration refusing to budge even if clear skies are reachable. The eclipse whose path crosses 14 states —not just the 12 or 13 only that many wrongly advertize—, one of them, Montana, very slightly in a mountainous area so that nobody staying in this state is likely to witness the unimaginable beauty of totality, will likely create a new "Generation Eclipse" much like the March 1970 did.

Seeing the eclipse from the ground in its surrounding natural environment is the way to go and get the full experience, particularly if it’s from your home country. However for those willing to have a slightly different experience, I’ll propose one eclipse flight over the Northern Pacific Ocean (one special flight in a brand new Falcon 5X with a zenithal window was another possibility, but the certification of the aircraft has been delayed). It’s unlikely that I will offer any ground tour for a group as organizing one on an individual basis is straightforward. Moreover I’ll also have to take care of some complex scientific measurements with huge constraints.
More comprehensive information and useful eclipse goodies can be found on the Great American Eclipse website maintained by my friend Michael Zeiler. The maps have been created using the data computed by my Solar Eclipse Maestro software. Please take also a moment to read those comprehensive instructions on how to observe the eclipse safely.
You can use this solar eclipse calculator to compute the local circumstances of the eclipse, and the solar eclipse timer notifies the beginning of the various events. A time exposure calculator is there to help you choose your camera settings.
Click on thumbnails for a larger version
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Sections of the eclipse path in Oregon potentially offer the best weather prospects along the entire path of totality. The area along the coast is to be avoided because of the summer marine layer unless the forecast tells you it will be absent. The duration of totality is nearly fourty seconds lower than at the maximum, however the clear skies odds are better than in the Midwest.
There are many locations in Oregon, away from the main cities and smaller towns, that can provide adequate viewing for the total solar eclipse. However accommodations are already sold out and roads are likely going to be packed on eclipse morning, which is why I’d recommend getting away from the major tourists spots as it’s also the high season. Be aware that smoke from the regular forest fires during the summer season may be of concern, so plan accordingly.
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Scouting trip executed in Oregon late August 2015
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Map of Oregon with the path of totality
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