The next total eclipse of the sun visible in the USA will occur 8 April 2024. I well remember one in Montana 26 February 1979. People flocked to Lewistown where the eclipse was to be total, the weather perfect, yet there was a disaster which ruined their trip. It wasn’t the weather. See if you can figure out what it was. No one I’ve told the story to over the years, has been able to.
See if you can figure out what it was.
Answer will appear 25 Feb in this space.
Win fame and fortune for yourself by posting your answer in a comment.
Watching the eclipse in Billings 135 miles away where it was partial was impressive. The birds stopped singing, and it got much colder very quickly.
Addendum 25 March ’24 Congratulations to REearthable
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Bravo — that’s what happened. Fortunately Lewistown is small and people hopped in their cars and went out to the country which is quite empty and dark (except around ranch houses where yard lights usually come on automatically.
You win a free trip on the Lewistown subway (when built)
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Chemiotics II 
The street lights automatically came on, confused by the darkness?