Moon, OK in the direct path of a total eclipse
MOON, Okla. (KFOR) — From the lunar surface to ground level at Moon, Oklahoma.
This tiny spot on the map is lower than 500 feet above sea level, the lowest community in the state, and home to fewer than 30 souls who call it home.
Paule Tunnell has lived here for better than 30 years.
She's a grandmother to 4 small children.
We found her watching them with her daughter-in-law Alex.
Mere days before the moon we know was set to block the sun completely, the biggest events of the day were checking on the number of eggs laid since the last time they checked, shushing their noisy hound dog Scooter Pooter, and taking turns shooting for the moon on their trampoline.
"It used to be quiet here until they brought this dog in," complains Paula.
"So I guess you know there is an eclipse coming up," we queried on a Thursday afternoon. "Where are you going to be to watch?"
"Right here," is the quick answer. "We're in a good area."
There was a time when Moon was a thriving community, crowding the railroad tracks.
It's been eclipsed by time for a long time now.
Even the highway sign that used to announce Moon to travelers is long gone.
If you look closely, the local Church of God sign remains as the only clue that 'Moon missions' are still going on.
Paula confirms, "There used to be a thriving little town over there by the tracks."
Between turns at their sawmill and cutting hay, Paula, Alex, the kids, and the other families in Moon had definite plans to turn their heads skyward Monday afternoon to mark a rare occasion.
"That totality sign they show on the weather map goes right across us," Tunnell smiles, "So we're in a good location."
Shooting for the moon and lassoing two in the bargain.
Great State is sponsored by Oklahoma Proton Center