Total Eclipse…Ready or not..It CAME!
UPDATE: THE ECLIPSE CAME AND WENT. BELOW IS HOW WE IN THE USA PREPARED FOR IT. THE VIDEO HERE IS HOW ONE TOWN IN NORTH CAROLINA HAD FUN WITH IT. ENJOY!
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Eclipse Preparation:
You may be saying to yourself, “Yes, the total eclipse is an exciting event…but what’s all the commotion about it?”
Well, I thought the same thing until I read an article by space.com. The practical side of the event was something I had not thought of…so here goes to all my readers who may be faithfully waiting or those who may be caught unawares at the exact moment on August 21st. If you live in the US and miss this event, you’ll have to wait 7 more years, until April 8, 2024, to see a total solar eclipse from a location in the contiguous United States.
If you are lucky to live between Oregon and South Carolina this year, you will be viewing the eclipse in the most narrow path of the totality. Others in the U.S and outside the U.S will still have a view, but only a partial eclipse.
Here are some things that I learned from the article mentioned:
- There will be big traffic jams heading toward the most direct path in the U.S.A…perhaps millions of visitors from all over the world. We know what a minor accident on an interstate can do to your wait time. Should you be out in traffic (not advised… if possible stay put) at the moment of the eclipse, you may need the following because of traffic: FULL tank of gas, snacks, something to entertain children (and don’t forget they need eye protection when watching) etc. etc.
- You need SPECIAL, APPROVED GLASSES to view the eclipse. ..or you may cause great damage or blindness to your eyes. Not all glasses will help you…certainly not regular sun glasses. They must meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
- If you are looking for the approved standard and not a fake, “Purchase a pair from one of the manufacturers or vendors that have been approved by the American Astronomical Society.” They must be rated 14 or higher. This includes any sales online. (Click here to see the vendors) (We plan to buy ours from Lowe’s Hardware since Lowes is practically my husband’s second home.)
Link: Here is how you can tell if your glasses are safe.
This is a list of times that you can see the total eclipse in its duration on August 21…that is if you live in these cities in the U.S.A. (for 100 cities across the USA)
| Location | Partial Eclipse Begins | Sun Completely Obscured |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR | 09:05 am PDT | 10:18 am PDT |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 10:15 am MDT | 11:33 am MDT |
| Casper, WY | 10:22 am MDT | 11:43 am MDT |
| Lincoln, NE | 11:37 am CDT | 1:03 pm CDT |
| Sabetha, KS | 11:38 am CDT | 1:05 pm CDT |
| Jefferson City, MO | 11:46 am CDT | 1:14 pm CDT |
| Carbondale, IL | 11:52 am CDT | 1:21 pm CDT |
| Hopkinsville, KY | 11:56 am CDT | 1:25 pm CDT |
| Nashville, TN | 11:58 am CDT | 1:28 pm CDT |
| Talulah Falls, GA | 1:07 pm EDT | 2:37 pm EDT |
| Columbia, SC | 1:13 pm EDT | 2:43 pm EDT |
| Charleston, SC | 1:16 pm EDT | 2:47 pm EDT |
Please note that this list includes only a small selection of locations where the total eclipse will be visible. You can look up more locations in our Eclipse Database or via the Eclipse Map.
You may want to gather your children or grandchildren around your computer and explain exactly what is happening when a total eclipse occurs. Throughout the centuries the ignorance and lack of understanding science caused many fears and tales of dome and hysteria. A blogger acquaintance of mine in England has written an interesting blog on this subject. ( See Stephen Liddell’s blog )
HAPPY VIEWING to ALL from Boyer Writes
Video showing pattern world wide..click the lower arrow if doesn’t start.
