The big day is tomorrow. The total solar eclipse we've all been waiting for.
And some, apparently, have been dreading.
Along with the excitement and hoopla about the eclipse, there has been no shortage of dire predictions of what will follow in its wake.
Rumors about everything from power outages and cellular service interruptions to the Biblical rapture are spreading around social media.
ATMs won't work so get cash now. Traffic lights will go out, causing accidents and pileups. The Internet will crash. Stores will be empty of milk and bread.
Well, that last one might be true. Sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
It reminds of of all the hype way back in 1999 as the year 2000 approached. Y2K they called it. And many feared a the new year would bring massive interruptions in a world already heavily dependent on computers and the Internet.
In the end, the only real damage from Y2K were the hangovers suffered in the morning by those who indulged too much the night before.
And so it will be with the eclipse. The only problems will be self-inflicted. Big crowds can strain essential services. Heavy traffic can cause congestion and accidents. Panic buying can mean long lines and shortages at places like grocery stores and pharmacies. A bit too much celebration with adult beverages can lead to poor decision making. And, inevitably, some will ignore common sense precautions about eye protection.
But, to paraphrase Shakespeare, the fault lies not with the sun and moon, but in ourselves.
So, if there is some nagging doubt in your mind, relax and enjoy the show. There is nothing to fear from the eclipse itself. It's simply nature at work, a marvelous and rare spectacle we are all privileged to witness right here in the Twin Cities.