On August 21st, a total solar eclipse will sweep across several American states subjecting millions into temporary darkness. Referred by many as the “Great American Eclipse,” it will be one of the finest eclipses since 1918.
Here’s what you need to know for total solar eclipse 2017:
A solar eclipse is an astral occurrence where the moon passes between the sun and the earth. In rare cases, the moon can align with the sun perfectly to create a total solar eclipse. This blocks the sunlight from reaching the earth and consequently turns the day into an eerie twilight. This is what makes the 2017 solar eclipse an impressive celestial event. Not only will a total solar eclipse occur, but it will span multiple states. The last one occurred over 38 years ago!
According to NASA, the solar eclipse will take place on August 21, 2017, and will last approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds. While all of North America will witness it, only a 70-mile strip cutting across the nation will experience the total eclipse. Places within the strip are excellent locations to view the eclipse, and they include:
Staring at the sun directly may damage your eyes, and conventional sunglasses aren’t enough to shield your eyes from the UV rays. Thus, you need to take precautions such as:
The next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024. It will be visible in the following major cities: Dallas, Austin, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Buffalo. The average duration of totality is projected to last over four minutes.
August 21 is a significant day that will give millions across the entire United States the opportunity to see the sun vanish for a few minutes. Thus, be prepared to avoid missing out on this astronomical and historical event.
Video credit : NASA Goddard| Youtube
Video credit: NASA Goddard| Youtube
*Links will be posted at a later time to watch the total solar eclipse live. Bookmark this page!