082117_Eclipse_EQ_209
The sun’s rays explode from behind the moon as the totality phase of the solar eclipse ends as seen from the Wayah Bald along the Appalachian Trail outside of Franklin, North Carolina, Monday, August 21, 2017. Thousands ventured into the Nantahala National Forest in southwestern North Carolina to view the two and half minutes of totality during this year’s solar eclipse. (Eamon Queeney / North State Journal)