Have you ever seen a solar eclipse before? You have probably seen pictures of one. You may have done some research on solar eclipses and know what causes this breathtaking phenomenon. But, have you ever stood outside, looked up at the sky and watched as the moon slowly moves until it passes completely in front of the sun? All that you can see during totality is the sun’s white-hot corona blazing in a ring around the pitch-black moon. This summer, on August 21st, you can have the opportunity to view this amazing event in person, during a spectacular American eclipse.
Facts About The American Eclipse
The American eclipse will be visible all over the continental United States. For this reason, plus the fact that clear weather is predicted and because of all the media coverage the eclipse is getting beforehand, it is estimated that this will be the most-viewed eclipse ever recorded. In most of the continental United States, people will be able to see the moon covering the sun by at least 90%. However, there is a wide swath crossing North America in which you can see a total eclipse. Carbondale, a city in Southern Illinois, is where totality will be of the longest duration.
Preparing For The American Eclipse
Before you take your family, a few friends or your class out to watch the solar eclipse this August, make sure each person has his or her own pair of eclipse glasses. Eclipse glasses are specially designed for watching the sun as it is being eclipsed by the moon and again as the moon is passing out from in front. They protect the eyes from the sun much more completely than sunglasses would. Make sure you take the glasses off during totality! Looking at the sun with the naked eye is safe at this point and will be an incredible experience.
