Saturday, August 12, 2017

Great American Solar Eclipse


We are so excited to get a chance to see the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017.  It will be making it's way across the United States.  They are predicting millions of Americans to travel to total eclipse sites.  Needless to say if you decide to travel you might consider taking along extra food, fuel, and water.  Many communities are in fear of running out of basic supplies.   I wouldn't recommend traveling the day of, because the traffic could be at a standstill and you risk missing the eclipse all together. 

Some areas will be a total eclipse and some a partial eclipse.  Either way if you plan on watching the moon move in front of the sun you will need special glasses.  Sunglasses are not enough protection.





You want to make sure your solar glasses protection has an ISO 12312-2 which is the international safety standard.  There are reports of many online vendors selling fake glasses, so be careful where and who you purchase them through.  Here is a  list of AAS approved vendors.  We purchased Explore Scientific (Solar Eclipse Sun Catcher Glasses) from Kroger for $.99 each. I have also seen them at Lowes for $1.99.  They are a lot more expensive online and are selling out fast.  Don't wait until the last minute or you might not be able to find glasses.  If you procrastinated and were unable to get solar glasses, you can try the pin hole projection method.

If you are in a total eclipse area be prepared for the weather to feel cooler, darkness, and the animals to go quiet.  It should be a quite spectacular experience.

Check out NASA's WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? AND HOW? for all your Great American Eclipse questions, path of the eclipse, and safety guidelines.

Don't miss the chance of a lifetime to see a total solar eclipse!

If you have any special tips,
leave us a comment below.

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