The world is anticipating a rare natural phenomenon, a total solar eclipse, that is happening on Aug 21. Certain portions of the continental United States will witness the eclipse firsthand, and feel its effects. As with any other total solar eclipse, only certain parts of the earth will experience it.
According to Space.com, the path where the eclipse can be seen is only limited to a stretch of land 113 kilometers or 70 miles wide, from the states of Oregon to South Carolina. In this “path of totality,” daytime will seem like nighttime and temperatures will drop by as much as 25 degrees Celsius.
When, Where, How To Watch The Total Solar Eclipse
Depending on where one is located in the United States, the eclipse starts and ends according to your timezone. According to NASA, the eclipse starts as early as 9:06 a.m, in Madras, Oregon and as late as 1:03 p.m. in Columbia, South Carolina.
The duration of the total eclipse (when the sun blacks out) also depends on location – with some lasting for 1 minute and others for more than 3 minutes. Those who want to watch the eclipse can check out an interactive map made by NASA to find out where they can best view the phenomenon.
Space.com and NASA also warns skywatchers to use the right equipment when viewing the eclipse. Ordinary sunglasses will not be enough to protect one’s eyes. Special solar viewing glasses are required, which one can purchase. NASA also reminds watchers to keep these glasses on if they are watching the partial eclipse. If one is in the path of totality however, one can take off his/her glasses during the period of totality.
People in Europe, Asia and the rest of the world can still catch the eclipse via livestream videos. Several organizations such as NASA and the educational site Exploratorium will have livestream feeds via their websites. Just make sure you have the time conversion right.
Things To Know About The Total Solar Eclipse
Witnessing a total solar eclipse is said to be more than awesome and magnificent. Among the things that observers will see is the sun’s atmosphere and the sun’s corona. These are not normally seen by the naked eye and are said be visible only during a total eclipse.
The cone of darkness or the sudden change in lighting is also another visibly observed thing during a total eclipse. This sudden change can also cause a sudden drop in temperature.