This cache is part of the Eclipse Coin Trail, celebrating a weekend of activities in Columbia and Lexington, SC, which culminate in a rare solar eclipse. The eclipse will occur Monday, August 21, 2017, at 2:41 pm and the Midlands will be one of the best places to witness this historic event. The total eclipse will last 2:36 minutes.
Syzygy (sĭz′ə-jē) is an astronomical term that refers to a straight line of three celestial bodies bound by gravity. The total eclipse is an example of syzygy involving the Earth, Moon and Sun. The term comes from the Greek “suzugos' which means “yoked together”. In addition to studying this syzygy, researchers will be observing animals. Animals are temporarily confused by the darkness and crickets may start chirping, while songbirds will be eerily quiet. The flight of nocturnal moths and diurnal butterflies who use light for navigation will be interrupted. As totality passes, the cacophony of a false dawn chorus will erupt and there will be cocks crowing and frogs croaking.
At Stage 1, your challenge is to figure out the coords to the final by "listening" for a little birdie!