By now pretty much everybody knows about the total solar eclipse coming tomorrow. It is projected to be the last such eclipse in most of our lifetimes (at least us older folks), so there’s a palpable excitement building for the big event.
So, in preparation, here’s what you need to know:
- What is it? A total solar eclipse occurs when the new moon intersects the path of the sun in the sky, causing the sun to be partially and then nearly completely blocked from view. Only a small fraction of viewers will be able to view the full eclipse – those who are watching in the marvelously-named path of totality, which is a swath of the Earth for which the alignment of moon and sun will offer the perfect angle to see the sun fully blotted out. The only part of Illinois in the path of totality for this eclipse is the southernmost tip, near Carbondale.
- So what will we see here in the Fox Valley? Not to fear, the Fox Valley will be close (in terrestrial terms) to the path of totality, and we are expected to experience a roughly 94% totality, which will still be pretty impressive.
- When will it happen? One of the compensations for being outside of the path of totality is that the viewing experience lasts longer. Inside the path, the total eclipse will last only a few minutes. Where we are, we should get a good 30 minutes. The eclipse is expected to begin at 1:50pm and last until 2:21pm, with maximum eclipse occurring at 2:06pm.
- What’s the weather going to be like? At the moment, the skies look like they’re going to be largely clear during the eclipse, with only some possible high-level clouds. But it appears that we’ll be getting a good day to view the event.
- Will I damage my eyes if I view the eclipse without eye protection? Yes! Don’t do it! Medical experts widely assert that ISO certified glasses will be necessary to prevent serious eye. Safe solar viewing glasses are the most widely suggested tool for viewing the spectacle safely, but a telescope with a solar filter may also be used. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe to view the eclipse.
- So what should I wear? Unfortunatey, the supply of ISO certified glasses used for the eclipse seem to be running low, if social media reports are to be believed. But if you’re still looking, you can go here to find an outlet providing the glasses, usually free of charge.
- Any other options? Yes! A pinhole projector! According to timeanddate.com, “the simplest and quickest way to safely project the Sun is with a projector made from only 2 pieces of card or paper. You need: 2 pieces of stiff white cardboard, e.g. 2 paper plates, or, alternatively, 2 sheets of plain white paper; a thumbtack, a sharp pin, or a needle. Make a tiny hole in the middle of one of the sheet using the pin or thumbtack. Make sure that the hole is round and smooth. Then, with your back towards the Sun, hold 1 piece of paper above your shoulder allowing the Sun to shine on the paper. The 2nd sheet of paper will act as a screen. Hold it at a distance, and you will see an inverted image of the Sun projected on the paper screen through the pinhole. To make the image of the Sun larger, hold the screen paper further away from the paper with the pinhole.”
And there you have it! All you need to know about Monday’s grand event.
(And please, please, please: avoid making a joke about this…)
