All Things Total Solar Eclipse 2017
Category : Autism , Back to School , Back to School, College Edition , Blog , Solar Eclipse 2017
Who can help us find reputable information?! What is a solar eclipse? Where can you see it? When will you see it? How do you watch it safely? Why are school schedules different? Why all the excitement?! So many questions, here are your answers…
All the fantastic pictures can be found in the blog post links!
Who can help us find reputable information?
Children’s Communication Center, that’s us!
We have gathered links from many local, state, and national organizations to help each of us experience the solar eclipse in the safest and best way possible.
HOWEVER, these are shared with the understanding that it is your responsibility to learn as much as you can to keep your family safe during this experience.
What is a total solar eclipse?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explains that “… This celestial event is a solar eclipse in which the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks all or part of the sun for up to about three hours, from beginning to end, as viewed from a given location.” Their Solar Eclipse page shows and explains all you need to know on their. If you want to go straight to their Questions & Answers page it is well organized and detailed.
Looking for art or science projects, check out their Activities page.
Where can you see it?
The August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse event can be seen by all of us in the contiguous United States, plus sections of South America, Africa, and Europe where they will see at least a partial solar eclipse.
The TOTAL solar eclipse will pass through parts of 14 states! Get out the MAPS and prepare for some geography!
The NASA total eclipse page states, “The first point of contact will be at Lincoln Beach, Oregon at 9:05 a.m. PDT. Totality begins there at 10:16 a.m. PDT. Over the next hour and a half, it will cross through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. The total eclipse will end near Charleston, South Carolina at 2:48 p.m. EDT. From there the lunar shadow leaves the United States at 4:09 EDT. Its longest duration will be near Carbondale, Illinois, where the sun will be completely covered for two minutes and 40 seconds.
When will you see it?
The total solar eclipse is occurring on Monday, August 21, 2017.
Use this link to type in a zip code to see WHERE you live and what you will see and WHEN it will be in your area!
Read more above in the Where section in the NASA explanation of where it starts and finishes.
Another wonderful graphic for Florida viewing of this solar eclipse was shared by Jeff Beradelli, Meteorologist, thank you Jeff!!
How do you watch the solar eclipse safely?
Through NASA’s link this Center is sharing their recommendations for the approved and reputable companies. There are pictures showing what printed information should be on the glasses you buy. If you have eclipse glasses from years ago, it is recommended that you NOT use the old glasses, get new ones!
DO NOT WEAR SUNGLASSES! YOU NEED SPECIAL ECLIPSE GLASSES!
Some companies make children sized glasses. Many local stores are currently sold out. Be sure to look at the picture describing REAL and FAKE.
According to Space.com Some public libraries are supplying FREE glasses, “…to skywatchers for the total solar eclipse that will sweep over the country on Aug. 21, 2017. The glasses will be provided by a major outreach program initiated by the Space Science Institute (SSI), so check with your community or this link.
The list above for REPUTABLE VENDORS will take you to purchase pages. Amazon.com is refunding customers for glasses they can not confirm are from a reputable company.
The University of Florida Health shares safety tips for watching the solar eclipse.
Why are school schedules different?
Schools across the country begin their school year at different times and there are many adjustments specifically for the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. A recent article in the Washington Post shared the explanation from state to state.
If you live in Leon County, Florida, here is the link to the Leon County Schools explanation for the schedule changes.
To learn more about the questions and answers for your school district, check with them directly.
Why all the excitement?!
According to the NASA Eclipse page: “The last time the contiguous U.S. saw a total eclipse was in 1979.” BUT according to Physics.org, “…The country’s last total solar eclipse stretching from coast to coast, on June 8, 1918, came in over Oregon and Washington, and made a beeline for Florida.
And More…
This information comes from Space.com, “The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has partnered with science popularizer Bill Nye and The Planetary Society to create kid-friendly resources about the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, including a special Junior Ranger program booklet and badge.” Learn more on their page.
The Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee, Florida is hosting an event and shares much news on their Facebook event page.
The CBS Sunday Morning Show‘s video, a must see!
Teachers: A wonderful teaching video from McGraw Hill Education.
CNN Tips Video can be seen here.
Huffington Post, “Here’s How to Watch the Eclipse Without Ruining Your Eyes”.
Eye Safety Cautions… from NPR.
Lifehacker’s Guide to the Solar Eclipse.
PBS Nova eclipse video, how to watch safely.
Follow CNN and Volvo for a once in a life time event by following them here.
Eclipse Mega Movie is a citizen scientist project!
Mashable shares The Weather Channel’s simulation of the total solar eclipse.
Seattle’s Children’s Hospital shares Tips for Families.
The Washington Post reviews tips for parents to decrease fear.
An Emory Eye Center surgeon offers these suggestions.
Florida & the Total Solar Eclipse
- The Florida State University’s total solar eclipse safety article.
- The University of Florida’s total solar eclipse link.
- The University of South Florida’s total solar eclipse article.
- Central Florida Science community shares opportunities for the total solar eclipse.
- News from the St. Petersburg area for the total solar eclipse.
- News from the Miami Herald about the total solar eclipse.
- News from the Florida Times Union, Jacksonville, Florida for the total solar eclipse.
- Solar Eclipse Day from the Kennedy Space Center.
- Florida State University Coastal & Marine Laboratory shares, What Happens in the sea during a solar eclipse?
- WFSU Parent Outpost: Eclipse Information
- American Heritage School cancels school due to the eclipse.
- Leon County Schools shares a Video for parents and children.
Contact your local schools, universities, science community, and news sources for the most up to date information for keeping your family safe while you experience this Total Solar Eclipse!