2017 will bring us something we’ve not seen here in the U.S since 1805, and won't again until 2205. What is it? A total eclipse of the sun. Mark your calendars for August 21, 2017, because you aren't going to want to miss this.
What is a total eclipse? If you’re anywhere in the path you’ll witness a jet-black moon cross in front of the sun, turning day into night. You’ll notice the temperature drop, the stars will come out and the birds will fall silent. What you’ll see next is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Time-lapse of Solar Eclipse Pixabay Public Domain
If you’re in the path of the eclipse (or plan to be) we have a few tips to make it memorable.
- Make plans now! People have been waiting for this for a long time. In some places, reservations started flowing in 2 ½ years ago! Go online and look for eclipse centered activities along the path. (KC Example)
- Watch the weather. No one can tell you if the skies will be clear on August 21st so stay flexible to move around, if necessary.
- This will an extremely short window of viewing opportunity, so be prepared. Go to the bathroom and have everything you need with you well before totality starts.
- Protect your eyes. In order to view the eclipse, you will need protective eye gear. DO NOT look directly into the sun! You can order eclipse glasses with lenses of optical Mylar that only cost $2, you can also use a welder’s mask if it has #14 welder’s glass in it. This glass can also be purchased for about $2.
- Get a telescope with a solar filter to get the most of your viewing.
- Don’t photograph the eclipse!! This cannot be emphasized enough. The eclipse will last only 162 seconds and if you spend most of that time fiddling with your camera's settings, you’ll miss it. Only the top 1% of top photographers have succeeded, so enjoy the show.
Here are a few sample times of when you can see the totality of the eclipse across the U.S.:
Idaho Falls, Idaho - 11:33 am
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming - 11:35 am
Lincoln, Nebraska - 1:02 pm
Leavenworth, Kansas - 1:07 pm
Kansas City, Missouri -1:08 pm
Jefferson City, Missouri - 1:14 pm
Carbondale, Illinois - 1:20 pm
Franklin, Kentucky - 1:26 pm
Nashville, Tennessee - 1:27 pm
Clayton, Georgia - 2:35 pm
Greenville, South Carolina - 2:38 pmPlan a trip to a viewing location by calling 877.397.5700 today.
See more about where to view the solar eclipse.
