Total Solar Eclipse
When the temperature drops and the day sky turns dark,
It is not the end of the world;
The moon is positioned ‘tween the sun and the earth,
Spectacular laws of nature unfurled!
To prevent eye damage, you will need protection,
Read up on your eye safety tips;
But make sure you’re in place for this marvel of space,
Rarely seen, Total Solar Eclipse!
© F.W. HeatonAugust 2017
In twenty days from now, on 21 August 2017, those among the earth’s current 7.5 billion people who choose to position themselves for this event, will be able to observe a space phenomenon which could be, for them, a once in a lifetime experience—a total solar eclipse! A total solar eclipse is the name scientists have given to the event where the moon is perfectly positioned between the sun and the earth, the disc of the moon completely covering the disc of the sun, reducing the mid-day light to twilight, only the sun’s corona visible with jets of light twisting out from the sun’s outer atmosphere.
Regarding the possibility of positioning one’s self to observe the eclipse in its totality, one needs to know the what and where of the “path of totality”. Regarding viewing in the continental U.S. for the upcoming event, the path of totality—a 70-mile wide path where the moon completely covers the sun—extends from Madras, Oregon to Columbia, South Carolina. Those observing the eclipse from outside the path of totality will see a partial solar eclipse—the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. A helpful map showing the path of totality as well as corresponding paths of decreasing totality along with event timing is included here and also can be found with additional information from Space.com at https://www.space.com/33797-total-solar-eclipse-2017-guide.html. Note: when examining this map, it is helpful to know that, along with the specific U.S. time zone for a particular location, the corresponding “UT” time is listed, referring to “UTC”, standing for Coordinated Universal Time, the basis for civil time today worldwide.
Regarding eye protection, NASA and other organizations advise one needs to utilize ISO-Certified Gear solar viewing glasses to protect one’s eyes from potential damage or blindness resulting from viewing the sun. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s site covering the event has excellent safety advice at https://www.eclipse2017.nasa.gov. Don’t take a chance on your research, purchase, and usage.
Considering the media coverage this event is receiving, most of you may know most or all of the information presented above. Here, however, are two “lesser-known facts” about solar eclipses. I cannot attest for their accuracy except for the fact that I have quoted them from Discovery Magazine, July-August 2009 issue:
- “The symmetry of a total solar eclipse happens because—by pure chance—the sun is 400 times larger than the moon but is also 400 times farther from Earth, making the two bodies appear the exact same size in the sky.”
- “Tidal friction, which causes the lengthening of the day, is also making the moon drift away. In about 600 million years it will be too small to cover the sun, and there will be no more total solar eclipses.”
Mary & I will be traveling to Columbia SC to gather with family and friends for the event; we send wishes to all for clear skies, good positioning, safe/fun viewing!