The sun on eclipse day is the same as any other day-not more unsafe but not less. For the first time in almost a century, a total solar eclipse will be visible from coast to coast.
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A total or partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, putting us in the moon’s shadow. Businesses selling eclipse glasses have sold out quickly, public schools are changing dismissal times for students and many people are planning short trips to be in position to see the eclipse in its totality.
Every area of the United States, however, will have some portion of the eclipse with 90 percent to 60 percent visible, from the extreme northern border with Canada to the extreme southern border with Mexico.
Lou Tomosoki, 70, still has a blind spot in the centre of the vision of his right eye as a result of looking at the sun for just a few seconds as the moon crossed its surface in the early 1960s.
Total Solar Eclipse Event at both Levy Park in Upper Kirby and Freeman Branch Library in Clear Lake will have glasses but it’s unclear how many. The path of totality is a relatively thin ribbon, around 70 miles wide, that will cross the USA from West to East. If you see any scratches or damage, do not use them. Especially if you are going to experience it from within the path of totality.
The next solar eclipse visible in the US will occur in 2024. With your back to the sun, look at your hands’ shadow on the ground.
The Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons also offers some safety tips for watching the eclipse: “Carefully look at your solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them”. After the peak eclipse, the moon will partially block the sun until the eclipse ends, shortly after 4 p.m. NASA will be live streaming the eclipse across America here. So, even if something goes wrong and you can’t get outside to view the eclipse, you can still watch it on your device. The event starts at 11 a.m. and we will be providing solar filters for people to use.
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Safe viewing is an essential part of enjoying any eclipse. Pacific time. The maximum eclipse will happen at 10:21 a.m.
