The first coast-to-coast total eclipse in 99 years is coming ever closer, but you can’t look at it — at least not directly — that is. NASA wants to instruct the public how to safely take in this awesome sight.
The Great American Total Solar Eclipse
The now so-called Great American Total Solar Eclipse will swath across the U.S. when the moon passes in front of the sun on August 21. This eclipse will be visible across a 70-mile band that will stretch from Oregon to South Carolina.
On Aug. 21, 2017, people across the United States will watch the sun disappear behind the moon, turning daylight into a kind of twilight and creating a momentary temperature drop. On that day, America will fall under the path of a total solar eclipse. This is an exciting event to put on your summer bucket list, but remember eye safety is of prime importance. Although most of us know this, there are still people searing their eyes by staring at the sun for too long in these incidences.
The U.S. Space Agency says the only way to catch this spectacular event is through special solar filter eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. These devices may need to be updated and to meet ISO 12312-2 for optimal safety. Also, you can’t look at this event through unfiltered cameras, telescopes or binoculars.
“Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun,” says NASA.
But have no fear: You have plenty of time to prepare to protect your eyes from any sun damage by purchasing special eclipse glasses at a number of popular outlets. Some may even find a few novel ways by checking these out.
Where will the Total Solar Eclipse Be Visible?
The eclipse will pass through Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Timing will depend on where you are inside this path. For those anywhere along the center of the path, the moon will cover the full disk of the sun for about two minutes and 40 seconds and will decrease in time for those along the outside edges.
Here is the NASA chart of times and approximate duration.
Featured Image:https://twitter.com/USAEclipse2017/ status/868107648494960640
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