For stargazers, students, and science buffs alike, the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a total solar eclipse is exciting indeed. And, on August 21, 2017, your chance is finally here.
For the first time since June 8, 1918, a total solar eclipse will be visible to the entire contiguous United States. This eclipse is the 22nd of the 77 eclipses of Saros series 145, which is a solar eclipse series that repeats every 18 years and 11 days. This amazing occurrence will only last approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds at its peak.
What Is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and partially or fully blocks the light from the sun.
Total eclipses visible across the adjoining 48 states are rare. If you've always wanted to see one for yourself, this month may be your last chance for nearly 100 years!
If the moon's orbit were perfectly circular, solar eclipses would happen every month. But since the moon’s orbit is inclined, solar eclipses only take place two to five times a year in various locations around the world. Few pass through the continental U.S. which makes August 21, 2017 a rare moment to experience.
While this upcoming eclipse is a “total eclipse,” a solar eclipse also can be a “partial eclipse.” Total eclipses occur when the moon blocks the entire sun, plunging the earth into darkness for several seconds to several minutes. While frightening for those who do not know it’s occurring, millions around the world wait in rapt anticipation for these infrequent occasions.
What You Need to Know
To see the eclipse in full is only possible if you watch along the direct route. While the sun will be partially eclipsed across the U.S. contiguous states, it will only be fully obscured along the indicated path.
If you are lucky enough to live close enough to this line or can visit for the day, keep your eyes peeled for the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. While generally appearing as a halo or haze around the moon, some viewers report seeing stunning jets and ribbons of light that are breathtakingly beautiful.
On the day of the eclipse, remember that it is not safe to look directly at the sun. The entirety of the eclipse can be viewed with the proper solar-protective glasses or without the protective sunglasses in the path of totality - or when the sun is fully blocked by the moon. However you view the eclipse, it is wise to give your eyes a break, and not stare directly at the sun for extended periods of time.
When to Watch
Based on the planet's rotation, it's possible to identify the best moments to catch a glimpse of the eclipse in your state.
As the moon's path moves from West to East, the first opportunity to see the eclipse will be at approximately 10:15 a.m. PT in the state of Oregon, although a partial eclipse will begin earlier, around 9 a.m. From here, the eclipse will swing east and south, crossing through:
While not everyone in the U.S. will be able to see the total eclipse, it will be fully visible to more than 12 million people and within a day's drive for more than 88 million.
For the first time since June 8, 1918, a total solar eclipse will be visible to the entire contiguous United States. This eclipse is the 22nd of the 77 eclipses of Saros series 145, which is a solar eclipse series that repeats every 18 years and 11 days. This amazing occurrence will only last approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds at its peak.
What Is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and partially or fully blocks the light from the sun.
Total eclipses visible across the adjoining 48 states are rare. If you've always wanted to see one for yourself, this month may be your last chance for nearly 100 years!
If the moon's orbit were perfectly circular, solar eclipses would happen every month. But since the moon’s orbit is inclined, solar eclipses only take place two to five times a year in various locations around the world. Few pass through the continental U.S. which makes August 21, 2017 a rare moment to experience.
While this upcoming eclipse is a “total eclipse,” a solar eclipse also can be a “partial eclipse.” Total eclipses occur when the moon blocks the entire sun, plunging the earth into darkness for several seconds to several minutes. While frightening for those who do not know it’s occurring, millions around the world wait in rapt anticipation for these infrequent occasions.
What You Need to Know
To see the eclipse in full is only possible if you watch along the direct route. While the sun will be partially eclipsed across the U.S. contiguous states, it will only be fully obscured along the indicated path.
If you are lucky enough to live close enough to this line or can visit for the day, keep your eyes peeled for the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. While generally appearing as a halo or haze around the moon, some viewers report seeing stunning jets and ribbons of light that are breathtakingly beautiful.
On the day of the eclipse, remember that it is not safe to look directly at the sun. The entirety of the eclipse can be viewed with the proper solar-protective glasses or without the protective sunglasses in the path of totality - or when the sun is fully blocked by the moon. However you view the eclipse, it is wise to give your eyes a break, and not stare directly at the sun for extended periods of time.
When to Watch
Based on the planet's rotation, it's possible to identify the best moments to catch a glimpse of the eclipse in your state.
As the moon's path moves from West to East, the first opportunity to see the eclipse will be at approximately 10:15 a.m. PT in the state of Oregon, although a partial eclipse will begin earlier, around 9 a.m. From here, the eclipse will swing east and south, crossing through:
- Salem, Oregon
- Casper, Wyoming
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Kansas City, Missouri
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Columbia, South Carolina, and
- Charleston, South Carolina
While not everyone in the U.S. will be able to see the total eclipse, it will be fully visible to more than 12 million people and within a day's drive for more than 88 million.
