The eclipse is coming. The event that so many people are talking about and thrilled about.
And guess what?
We are going to miss it.
THE event is happening on August 21, 2017 and the projected path will be going right over Brevard, NC.
But where will we be?
We will be recovering from THE REAL BIG EVENT. Our son Micah and his beautiful Wendy will be getting married in Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 20th so we will be far, far away from the optimal eclipse viewing area.
It seems the country has gone a bit eclipse crazy. T shirts, viewing glasses, special eclipse events and more are all flooding any area that appears to be in the prime viewing area path. I must admit I am a little sad that we won’t be able to join in on some of the festivities surrounding the eclipse but I suspect “our” event will be more thrilling for us.
So what do you need to know about the eclipse? Here are a few helpful links.
You will be able to see the eclipse from anywhere in the US but the viewing of the total eclipse follows a specific path. Brevard is on that path. If you want to see the best viewing and time in your area this site allows you to enter your zip code for more information. Just click here to go to the Vox.com website to learn more.
In Brevard,NC the eclipse will peak at 2:37:52 EDT and the moon will obscure 100% of the sun.
Another site Eclipse2017.org offers a bit more info on the eclipse locally including a projected time of total eclipse of 1 minute and 4 seconds.
Weather.gov has a great site with a lot of information about the eclipse so you may want to check this link out as well for more eclipse information.
Now the most important thing to be safe when viewing the eclipse is to have the correct glasses for safe viewing. According to NASA there are some unsafe glasses out there. NASA has issued this information:
You’ll need a special pair of glasses certified by ISO and manufactured by these NASA-approved companies:
- American Paper Optics
- Rainbow Symphony
- Thousand Oaks Optical
- TSE 17
NASA also wants you to follow four simple tips when viewing the eclipse.
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Don’t reuse old glasses. Unsafe after 3 years.
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If lenses have scratches, don’t use.
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If lenses are wrinkled, not safe for viewing the eclipse.
- U.S. manufacturers recommended.
Info from WBTV.com
My friend Marci alerted me to an app that she put on her iPhone that gives even more precise information about the eclipse. It is called the Solar Eclipse Timer app. If you are interested in that app it is available here.
Chris and I both remember watching one in school when we were younger (1970) and making those pinhole viewers to safely watch it. So to all of you who will be viewing the eclipse –happy and safe viewing. Enjoy and please report back to me what you see. I can’t wait to hear all about it. This eclipse will have to occur without us. Tell me, what are your plans for August 21st?
And because I just can’t leave this post alone here is what runs through my head when I hear talk of the total eclipse of the sun.
You are welcome.
