Everyone is excited about the solar eclipse that will take place on Monday, August 21, 2017. This will be the first total Eclipse over all of the United States in 99 years. The last total eclipse was on June 8, 1918. The next one is scheduled for April 8, 2024, that will be seen over 12 states. Another one is scheduled for August 2045 over ten states. So you see, they don't happen that often.
That's why people all over the United States are excited about the upcoming event on Monday.
Who will be able to see the phenomenon?
A total solar eclipse is when the moon, the sun, and the earth all line up and the moon completely blocks the sun from being seen from earth. It will be across 14 states, and the rest of the United States will be able to see a partial eclipse. Just before it happens, the temperature will drop.
The eclipse will go from Salem, Oregon at 9:06 a.m. on August 21 and will end in Charleston, South Carolina at about 4:06 p.m. It will go along land 70 miles wide passing through Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
NASA will live stream the event for four and a half hours beginning at 11:45 a.m. The longest time the eclipse will be visible in any one area is 2 minutes and 41 seconds.
Precautions to take
By now, people should know they need solar viewing glasses to protect their eyes. Don't make the mistake thinking sunglasses can be used in place of the special glasses. Looking directly at the sun can cause serious harm to the eyes and even blindness.
Instead of closing school like some districts, Wilson County Schools in Tennessee decided to stay open and use the event as a learning opportunity. The district purchased around 19,000 glasses for students, teachers and school workers. The glasses cost the school district approximately $5,700, but the money was spent for a good cause.
It will be an experience that students will never forget and one they might never see again.
The Federal Highway Administration predicted August 21 may be one of the worst traffic days. The organization has suggested that people who don't have to drive during the time of the eclipse to stay off the highways because it could be a distraction. It might be a distraction for those behind the wheel, and drivers might pull off to the side of the road and be in the path of passing cars. Companies are scheduling their drivers to be off the road during the time of the eclipse in their area.