Total Solar Eclipse 2017
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know that on Monday, August 21st the mainland United States will host its first total solar eclipse since 1979. Residents ranging from Oregon to South Carolina sit straight in its path, which is somewhat unique because the States’ last coast to coast total solar eclipse was in 1918.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s orbit sets it directly in front of the sun and for a moment in time (in this case up to 2 minutes and 40 seconds) the moon masks the sun.
Don’t Burn Your Eyes
More and more studies prove that everyday UV rays damage our eyes over time, so attempting to look directly into the sun to see this sight would just be stupid. And if you haven’t ordered special eclipse viewing glasses by now, you probably won’t be able to get any, but the good thing for you is you don’t need them.
Brian Unger via GIPHY
Watch the Eclipse Safely With No Glasses
You can view the eclipse without any special glasses, without a telescope, without a camera, any particular gadgets, and even without looking directly at the sun.
Simply, look into water. Safely view the reflection of this natural occurrence by looking down and not up. Once you see the sun is completely covered – which again will be a little over two minutes at the longest – you can safely view the eclipse with your naked eye.
So, if you want to see the eclipse and you’re able to get into its pathway – get a bucket and fill it with water. And considering the next total solar eclipse isn’t slated to happen here in the States until 2024, you’ll probably want to.
For more details on the eclipse’s pathway, totality times specific to your region, and safely viewing the sun, visit eclipse2017.nasa.gov
Featured Image: Brian Unger via GIPHY
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