This article explores the 2024 eclipse as well as the 2017 eclipse and others in this century. Much of this comes from research I did in 2016, which can be seen here.
Sections
Introduction
2024 and 2017 Eclipse Paths with Pictures
Explanation and Other Discoveries and Notes
Significant Events after August 21, 2017
American Total Solar Eclipses in the 21st Century
“I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below.” Acts 2:19
Introduction
In 2016, while reading some news online, I stumbled across the fact that there would be a total solar eclipse in 2017 observable from America, and then I investigated it more and discovered a lot of interesting information. I’m naturally interested in eclipses anyway, but the reason the 2017, 2024, 2045, and 2052 eclipses caught my interest more than usual is because of their paths and their timing and what would happen in the general time surrounding the eclipses. These eclipses are significant. First, let’s take a look in detail at the eclipses in 2017, 2024, 2045, and 2052. Then we will see more about the paths of each of the eclipses that will “touch” America from 2017 until the end of the year 2099.
2024 and 2017 Eclipses
And here is the path of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse:
Here is the path of the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse that traveled across all of the mainland United States:
Here is what they look like put on the same map:
The two eclipse paths are shaped like an X chromosome.
A total solar eclipse has a limited path or zone where you would have to be physically located in order to see the total phase of the eclipse. Eclipse paths have a northern limit, a path center, and a southern limit. In most of the above pictures, this zone is marked by a northern blue line, a red center line, and a southern blue line. The green and purple marker pins have to do with the points of greatest eclipse and greatest duration, which I won’t discuss here.
Facts about total solar eclipses in America:
The last total solar eclipse that touched the United States was August 21, 2017, and it pathed across the entire mainland United States. Before that, the last total solar eclipse to path across the entire mainland of the United States was on June 8, 1918, which went from Washington to Florida.
Facts about these events:
The August 21, 2017 event went across the entire mainland from Oregon to South Carolina.
The August 21, 2017 event casted a “shadow” over the entire country.
The northern limit of the August 21, 2017 eclipse included Adam-ondi-Ahman, Haun’s Mill, and Far West.
The southern limit of the August 21, 2017 eclipse included Liberty Jail and Independence.
The center line of the August 21, 2017 eclipse was about half way between Adam-ondi-Ahman and Independence.
The August 21, 2017 eclipse center line went over Makanda, Illinois.
The April 8, 2024 eclipse center line also goes over Makanda (just northwest of it, less than 4 miles away).
Makanda (also near Pamona) is essentially where “X marks the spot” for the two eclipses. (They “X” at Cedar Lake.) The “X” is located in the Shawnee National Forest.
The April 8, 2024 eclipse goes over Kirtland, Palmyra, and the Hill Cumorah (Palmyra is right near Cumorah). This map also has Cedar Lake (bottom left marker pin) for reference. (This eclipse also goes over Hiram, Thompson, Orange, and Amherst, OH and Manchester, Fayette, and Perrysburg, NY. In addition to other locations mentioned in this article, each of these locations is significant to members of The Church of Jesus Christ.)
The April 8, 2024 eclipse will cast a “shadow” over the entire mainland United States.
This eclipse will happen approaching the 7th year after the first event (6 years 7 months and 18 days).
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Why These Eclipses Catch My Attention
Why Do These Eclipses Catch My Attention? The reason the 2017 and 2024 eclipses interest me has to do with certain events that I believe happened in these areas during Book of Mormon times, certain events that happened in these areas in the early history of the church, and prophecies related to some of these areas relevant to the last days. I won’t list all of those details here. If you know the events and prophecies I refer to and have added insight, please leave me a note. It also interests me because of my belief that the Nephites and perhaps some or many of the Lamanites of the Book of Mormon lived in the heartland of America, including in these very locations. The “X” is right over an area that I believe to be of great significance, reminding me (when you consider the 7 year timetable) of the 7 year “standoff” between Lachoneus and Gidgiddoni and the gadianton robbers. (Remember that Giddianhi invited Lachoneus to make an “agreement with hell” at that time, see 3 Nephi 3.) That, plus the prophesied events to transpire in the near future, plus the location of these eclipses, plus the 7-year timeline, all connect to make me believe that this cannot be a coincidence. I do not believe it is a coincidence. I do believe God is giving us something to think about, but you will have to do your own work in study, faith, obedience, and service to know what the Lord wants you to know. Don’t take it from me. Please get your own answers!
What I am not saying:
I’m not saying I think Jesus Christ’s second coming to all the world will happen on the day of these eclipses. I don’t know the day or hour.
I’m not saying I think that these eclipses are the sign of the coming of the Son of Man.
I’m not saying that I think anything will happen on the exact day or at the exact time of the eclipses that will suddenly jolt all of America. I’m not ruling out that something could happen, but my purpose is not to come on here and make some specific prediction about something happening on the day of one of the eclipses.
What I am saying:
I am saying that I believe these eclipses (and potentially the eclipses in 2044/2045 and 2052) are relevant to and indicative of tribulation(✔︎).
I am saying that I believe the things that will happen will come about in the days, weeks, months, and years surrounding the eclipses(✔︎). Significant things may or may not happen on the exact day of the eclipses.
The kinds of events that come to mind for me include both wonderfully welcome and tragic happenings, like famine(✔︎), pestilence(✔︎), disease(✔︎), terrorism(✔︎), civil unrest (political, cultural, etc.)(✔︎), wars(✔︎), earthquake(✔︎), tsunami, severe weather events(✔︎), economic hardship(✔︎), miracles, anticipated fulfillment of prophecy, etc.
Days between the 2017/2024 and 2045/2052 eclipses:
Part of my initial sense of wonder about the 2017 and 2024 eclipses is that the 2024 eclipse happens close to 7 years after the 2017 eclipse. 2422 days sits between the two eclipses.
When I saw that there would be an eclipse in 2045 followed close to 7 years by an eclipse in 2052, I wondered how many days would sit between them. Answer? Exactly 2422 days, just like the eclipses in 2017 and 2024!
Note that approximately 21 years passes between the 2024 and 2045 eclipses. Also note that approximately 21 years passed between the end of WWI and WWII.
The Chile and Argentina Eclipses at Halfway Points
A total solar eclipse pathed over Chile and Argentina on December 14, 2020, exactly (to the day) the midpoint between the 2017 and 2024 eclipses.
Days between 2017 and 2024 total solar eclipses: 2422.
December 14, 2020 total solar eclipse lands exactly to the day the midpoint between the two.
Days between 2045 and 2052 total solar eclipses that X over the USA: 2422.
December 5, 2048 total solar eclipse lands exactly to the day the midpoint between the two.
The 2020 and 2048 midpoint eclipses both path over Chile and Argentina in South America.
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WWI Rhyme
It has been said that history does not repeat itself, but history does rhyme. The fact that the 2017/2024 and 2045/2052 eclipses happen about 100 years after WWI and WWII respectively (give or take a few years), and that there is approximately 21 years between the 2024 and 2045 eclipses and there was approximately 21 years between the end of WWI (1918) and beginning of WWII (1939), has inspired me to look for “rhymes” related to these two eclipses and the two world wars. I have found one potential WWI rhyme so far. WWI started on July 28, 1914. On August 21, 1914 there was a total solar eclipse that traveled over a part of the world impacted heavily by WWI. Here is the path of that eclipse. Our eclipse this year also lands on August 21, and the world is already in chaos with many whisperings of a world war on the horizon and with some claiming we are in a world war now but that the war is not being advertised as such.
Salem, USA and Jerusalem, Israel
At the 2017 eclipse, the moon began to cover the sun in Salem, OR around 9:05 AM. During the eclipse in Salem, the sun set in Jerusalem. It is interesting to note that Salem means Peace, and Jerusalem means City of Peace. While the moon begins casting a shadow over Peace in America, the sun sets on the City of Peace in Israel. Expect prophetic rhymes in that.
Other cities/towns named Salem the August 21, 2017 eclipse’s path of totality went over include the following:
Salem, Oregon
Salem, Idaho
Salem, Nebraska
Salem, Kentucky
Salem, South Carolina
Other cities/towns named Salem the April 8, 2024 eclipse’s path of totality will go over include the following:
Salem, Arkansas
Salem, Illinois
Salem, Kentucky
Salem, Indiana
Salem, Maine
New Madrid Fault
I learned about this earthquake zone during my natural disaster studies in college. The New Madrid fault is known to produce extremely large and damaging earthquakes, but earthquakes along the New Madrid that are similar in magnitude to those produced by the well-known faults of California can be more damaging than those in California because the earth in the heartland amplifies the waves due to its unique make up. It just so happens that both the 2017 and the 2024 eclipses go straight through this fault zone. The town of Makanda sits atop the major center of the fault zone like a hat or a crown. Here’s a map to show what I mean (note that I put the black lines on the image to indicate the paths of the eclipses):
*Image Source: USGS
An eclipse happened in 1811 and an earthquake in that same year along the New Madrid. In fact, in recorded history, the most powerful earthquake to shake the USA east of the Rockies happened on December 16, 1811, and it happened on the New Madrid. Estimates put the powerful quake at around magnitude 7.5-7.9, but I’ve read the fault can produce earthquakes in the 8s. That year, in September, there was an annular solar eclipse that pathed a few hundred miles northeast of the edge of the fault zone. The edge of the path of totality closest to the fault zone went through Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The edge of the fault zone closest to the path of totality is in the southern Illinois area. The path of totality of the 2017 eclipse was much closer to the fault zone than the 1811 eclipse, and so too will be the path for the 2024 eclipse. In fact, if I’m interpreting my research correctly, the paths of totality go directly over the northeastern and northwestern edges of the fault zone.
Juan de Fuca Plate
The 2017 eclipse also pathed directly over the Juan de Fuca plate, which plate is off the coast of Northern California, Oregon, Washington State, and Vancouver Island in Canada. The Juan de Fuca is capable of earthquakes of magnitude 9.0 or larger, which are capable of producing massive tsunami.
Teton Fault and Yellowstone
The 2017 eclipse pathed directly over the Teton Fault in Wyoming and skirted the southern border of Yellowstone National Park.
Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone
The 2017 eclipse pathed directly over the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone.
Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone
The 2017 eclipse pathed directly over the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone in South Carolina.
Seismic Zones in New York State and Maine
In addition to pathing over the New Madrid, the 2024 eclipse also will path over the seismic zones in New York State and Maine
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Trail of Tears
The August 21, 2017 event pathed directly over about half of the northern land route of the Trail of Tears, which is a path the Cherokee Nation took when they were forced out of their tribal lands. Thousands of Cherokee perished. This trail happens to go directly through the Shawnee National Forest, only 10-20 miles south of where the two eclipses cross paths. I love the Native American people of the heartland and surrounding areas. I pray for them and know that their best days are ahead. The 2024 eclipse will also path over a large part of the Trail of Tears.
Civil War
The August 21, 2017 event pathed over Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The official beginning of the war was on April 12, 1861 when the Confederate forces bombarded the Union-controlled Fort Sumter in Charleston Bay.
Exclusively the USA
The August 21, 2017 event was the first time a total solar eclipse visited the land that is now the USA and no other nation since the 1257 eclipse.
Extermination Order
The August 21, 2017 event pathed right over Jefferson City, which is Missouri’s capital. In 1838, Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs issued an executive order authorizing the extermination of all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in the state (this executive order was rescinded in by Governor Kit Bond in 1976, two years shy of 140 years after the order was given). Gen. John B. Clark, the General to whom the executive order was addressed (he was responsible to carry out the order), wrote the following soon after the “Mormons” surrendered: “. . . you must not think of staying here another season, or of putting in crops, for the moment you do this, the citizens will be upon you; and if I am called here again, in a case of a non-compliance of a treaty made, do not think I will do as I have now. You need not expect any mercy, but extermination, for I am determined the governor’s orders be executed.” In so many instances, the outcasts were robbed of their dignity, their virtue, their lives, their liberty, and their pursuit of happiness. They were denied their freedom to peaceably practice their religion, their freedom to peaceably assemble, their freedom of speech, their freedom of press; and their petitions for redress of grievances went largely ignored. Other basic God-given freedoms were violated. Even with this heartbreaking history, Missouri is a place of hope for members of the church. Some of the most significant events in all of human history occurred there and will yet occur there.
DANIEL 12 AND MATTHEW 24 –ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION
Daniel 12:11-12: “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.”
Matthew 24 speaking of the last days: “And again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled.
All Church of Jesus Christ temples closed on 3/25/2020 (a daily Sacrifice taken away in Israel).
3/25/2020 was also the last day of the year on the biblical Hebrew calendar.
1290 days later is 10/6/2023, the last day of Feast of Tabernacles.
Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is one of the three biblically mandated pilgrimage festivals on which Jews were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.
1335 days after 3/25/2020 is 11/20/2023.
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Mount St. Helens
A total solar eclipse pathed directly over Mount St. Helens on February 26, 1979. Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980.
September 23, 2017 – “Revelation 12 Sign”
Several people have mentioned or asked about the “Revelation 12 sign” that took place on September 23, 2017. Yes, I am aware of it but didn’t write about it, because others had already done so in detail. I might pick up the topic at some point if I find anything that hasn’t been considered.
22 Years – The Family: A Proclamation to the World
On September 23, 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley read The Family: A Proclamation to the World from the pulpit at the General Relief Society Meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Exactly 22 years later (8036 days), on September 23, 2017, there was a General Women’s Session of the General Conference of the church. This is the same day as the so-called “Revelation 12 Sign.” (The total solar eclipse on August 21st was 8003 days after the September 23, 1995 meeting.) Note that in the proclamation read in 1995, the following warning was given: “. . . we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.” Since that day, the devil has waged an all-out war on the family, and many people (including in the USA) have fallen victim to his deceit. I personally feel that the calamities we currently face are a taste of what is coming if we don’t repent. We need to protect the family unit as God designed it. Revelation 12 is interpreted (as it relates to the last days) as the Church of Jesus Christ giving birth to the Kingdom of God, with the devil standing ready to try to devour it soon after its arrival. I’ve written about chiasmus before, and I personally believe we’ve got another instance of it here. And, Revelation 12 has several “rhymes” from Jesus until today. One rhyme happened when Mary gave birth to Jesus and they fled to Egypt for safety. Another rhyme was after Jesus was crucified and the church tried to live the law of consecration but was soon destroyed by persecution and apostasy. Another rhyme seems to have happened, in a way, in the early days of this church. A final fulfillment will happen between now and the return of our King, Jesus Christ. ABBA.
Significant Events After August 21, 2017
FOR A HUGE AND GROWING LIST OF SIGNIFICANT FIRSTS, WORSTS, AND IMPORTANT EVENTS SINCE THE 2017 ECLIPSE, GO TO THE HOME PAGE OR CLICK HERE IT’S THE “NEWS DROPS” PAGE.
*Note: if you know of firsts, worsts, and significant events since August 21, 2017, that I haven’t covered, please visit the contact page and send me an email. Thanks.
Again, I believe the things we’ll see happen (and have already seen happen) will come about in the days, weeks, months, and years surrounding the eclipses(√). Significant things may or may not happen on the exact day of the eclipses.
The kinds of events that come to mind for me include both wonderfully welcome and tragic happenings, like famine(√), pestilence(√), disease(√), terrorism(√), civil unrest (political, cultural, etc.)(√), wars, earthquake(√), tsunami, severe weather events(√), economic hardship(√), miracles, anticipated fulfillment of prophecy, etc.
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American Total Solar Eclipses in 21st Century
8 total solar eclipses will “touch” the United States of America in the 21st century. Their dates follow:
August 21, 2017
Places the eclipse paths over include the following: Salem, Corvalis, and Baker City, OR; Idaho Falls and Rexburg, ID; Jackson and Casper, WY; Hiawatha, KS; Adam-ondi-Ahman, Haun’s Mill, Far West, Liberty Jail, Independence, Columbia, and about half of St. Louis, MO; Carbondale and Makanda, IL (Little Egypt); Paducah, Hopkinsville, and Bowling Green, KY; Clarksville, Nashville, Spring City, Maryville, and Sweetwater, TN; Clayton and Toccoa, GA; Murphy, Andrews, and Cullowhee, NC; and Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia, and
Charleston, SC.
April 8, 2024 Places the eclipse paths over include the following: part of San Antion Metro area, Austin, Brady, Temple, Waco, Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and Tyler, TX; Texarkana (Texas and Arkansas), Arkadelphia, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Mountain Home, Jonesboro, and Paragould, AR; West Plains, Polar Bluff, Cape Girardeau, Farmington, and Perryville, MO; Carbondale, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Makanda, Shawnee National Forest, and Effingham, IL; Evansville, Bloomington, Indianapolis, and Richmond, IN; Dayton, Cleveland, Akron, Hiram, and Kirtland, OH; Lake Erie; Erie, PA; Chautauqua, West Seneca (Buffalo area), Niagara Falls, Rochester, Manchester, Palmyra, Hill Cumorah, Irondequoit, Auburn, Syracuse, and Watertown, NY; Lake Ontario; Burlington and Montpelier, Pittsburg, NH; Rangeley, The Forks, Portage Lake, Caribou, and Danforth, ME; and the eclipse then continues through Southeast Canada and into the Atlantic Ocean.
August 23, 2044 Places the eclipse paths over include the following: Greenland and Baffin Bay; Canada; Miles City, Plentywood, Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Fork Belknap Reservation, Lewistown, Malta, Great Falls, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and Chinook, MT; and Belfield, Medora, New Town, and Williston, ND.
August 12, 2045 Places the eclipse paths over include the following: Eureka, Redding, Red Bluff, Mount Shasta, Chico, and Oroville, CA; Reno, Elko, and Wendover, NV; Salt Lake City, Provo, Nephi, Richfield, Price, Moab, and Vernal, UT; Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, CO (the path’s north limit cuts the Denver Metro area in about half); Dodge City, and Wellington, KS (the path’s north limit includes part of the south edge of the Wichita area); Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK; Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Prescott, Little Rock, and Forrest City, AR; Oxford, Jackson, and Meridian, MS; Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Enterprise, and Dothan, AL; Panama City, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Daytona Beach, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, FL; and probably more than 95% of the Bahamas.
March 30, 2052 Places the eclipse paths over include the following: Brownsville, TX; Gulf of Mexico; Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee, FL; Albany and Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC.
May 11, 2078 Places the eclipse paths over include the following: Brownsville and McAllen, TX; Gulf of Mexico; New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA; Biloxi, MS; Mobile, Auburn, and Montgomery, AL; Columbus, Macon, Atlanta, Athens, and Augusta, GA; Greenville, Columbia, Sumter, and Florence, SC; Charlotte, Fayetteville, Durham, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC; Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, VA.
May 1, 2079 Places the eclipse paths over include the following: Princeton; NYC; Long Island; the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts (including Boston) in their entirety; and Portland, Maine. The path continues through Southeast Canada and then paths across Greenland longways before wrapping around and ending a few hundred miles north of the Bering Straight.
September 14, 2099 Places the eclipse paths over include the following: Fargo, ND; Minneapolis, MN; Madison, Milwuaki, and part of Green Bay, WI; Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor, MI (misses Detroit by only a few miles); Columbus, Springfield, and Toledo, OH; the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, and the Chesapeake Bay area of Virgina; and Greenville, NC.
Note that this article is unique in that it is made up of ongoing research. I have added and will continue to add points to it as I discover more relevant information. To be continued…
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