Solar Eclipse 2017
The “Solar Eclipse” of 2017 is fast approaching, Monday, August 21, 2017. This is a natural phenomenon that occurs every year, however, this year, is the first time in over 100 years, that the eclipse will cover the entire United States from coast to coast. The last time anyone in the United States was able see a total solar eclipse was on February 26, 1979. That eclipse’s path of totality began along the Pacific Northwest coast, near the border of Washington and Oregon. This year’s eclipse will begin later in the day and farther south… but not much. Beginning on the coast of Oregon at 10:15 AM. lasting for about 2 minutes. It will span the country, through the central plains and off the east coast, with its final US destination off the coast of South Carolina with a max at 2:47 PM lasting about 2.5 minutes. Overall, this year’s eclipse will span over 14 states, giving more people an opportunity to see it. It is recommended that you have a special pair of glasses when viewing the eclipse that cost around $2 to $20. Experts say that when you look at the sun your eye’s pupil gets smaller in order to protect the retina from too much light, but during an eclipse, that doesn’t happen. And regular sunglasses aren’t enough protection from damage during the eclipse. Even just a few seconds of gazing at the eclipse without proper protection could cause damage to your eyes. But if you don’t have the special glasses for viewing, some household items can be used. Household items like colanders, cheese graters or index cards with holes punched in them can project mini eclipses on the ground without you needing to look directly at the sun. Gary Senn, Director of the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center says “You’re not looking at it directly, so you’re holding it out, the sun shines through it and you’re looking at the ground behind that object,” He also says “Only in those places where there’s going to be totality, where the moon will totally cover the sun, will it be safe at that brief moment to take the glasses off and enjoy the corona,” Now, we’re sure some of you would want to take pictures with your camera or cell phone. Bob Moler, of Moler’s Cameras, has been in the camera business since 1946. He recommends using a solar filter for your camera just as you would with your eyes. Solar filters are available for cameras, but if you’re taking photos with your smartphone, you can use the lens from a pair of solar glasses.
