Hollywood, MD – On Monday Aug. 21 the inhabitants of our country can be made witness to an event nothing short of spectacular. For the first time in 38 years, the continental United States will be host to a total solar eclipse.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon appears to completely cover the shape of the sun. The moon blocks the light of the sun from reaching Earth. Such an occurrence is truly remarkable, as the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun, and the sun is 400 times further away from Earth than the moon is. For these two masses to fit together in such a rare fashion could be described as a natural miracle. For those that are located in what is known as “the path of totality,” the sky will completely darken as everything but the outer atmosphere of the sun will be hidden. This path of totality stretches across 70 miles and 14 states in our country, from Oregon to South Carolina. For the rest of us, we will see a partial solar eclipse, and the sky should look similar to late evening or early dusk. A quick road trip down to Columbia, South Carolina would show an awe-inspiring experience.
The farther east you are located, the later the eclipse will be visible. In Maryland, the eclipse is expected to be visible from about 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you do decide to go down to South Carolina for an extended weekend, the totality point is predicted to start around 2:40 p.m. If you are staying closer to home, the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. is hosting a solar eclipse viewing on Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. At the event, attendees can view the eclipse through a safe solar telescope and can pick up free eclipse glasses (limited supply).
How do we safely view this astounding feat of nature? It is extremely dangerous to look at the eclipse with your bare eyes, so much so that it can cause blindness or distorted vision. Even sunglasses will not protect your eyes, you must use specialized eclipse glasses if you do not want to cause harm to your vision. Even your camera (be it your cell phone or a DSLR) can be damaged by the sun’s rays.
Protective gear is recommended for photographers and Instagram users alike. Several vendors online sell eclipse glasses, as well as other hardware and convenience stores. If you are purchasing your glasses online, it is advised to verify that they are in fact real eclipse glasses that can handle the sun’s rays. Eclipse glasses are significantly darker than regular sunglasses, so much darker that the only object that you should be able to remotely see through them is the sun itself. To test your glasses, don’t look up directly at the sun, rather, take a mirror and look at the sunlight that it reflects. The sunlight should appear comfortably bright if you are wearing the proper eyewear, like looking at your average full moon. If you missed your opportunity to buy a pair of eclipse glasses, there are several online sources that detail how to create a safe pinhole projector out of a cardboard box, aluminum foil, and other household goods.
Whether you are in the northwest, South Carolina, or right here in Southern Maryland, the total solar eclipse will be quite the sight to see—as long as you are doing so safely. Not only do we want eclipse viewers to be safe, but those on the road as well. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) noted that there were only 6.2 million registered vehicles in the United States at the time of the last total solar eclipse, whereas an astonishing 263.6 million were registered as of 2015. That number has surely only risen since then. If you plan on viewing the eclipse, do so from the ground and not your vehicle. Drive safe, not distracted. Happy eclipse viewing!