Three ways to safely view the solar eclipse

On Monday, August 21, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America, the first time one has crossed completely over the continent since 1979.

Area agencies, health professionals and law enforcement wamt the public to enjoy Monday’s partial solar eclipse, but in a safe manner. Even if it’s cloudy. This is important even if you are wearing eclipse glasses or holding a solar viewer at the same time.

But what if you want to watch online? There’s something about the light that’s a bit surreal: dimmed as if by a sunset, but without the orange cast and coming from overhead.

Looking directly at the powerful brightness of the sun can cause damage to the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye.

As the moon starts to move in front of the sun, you’ll actually notice a decrease in the air temperature. In Bluefield, Va. the Tazewell County Visitors Center at 163 Walnut Street will host an Eclipse Party from 2 p.m.to 3 p.m. Monday. Another project will study the earth’s upper atmosphere during the eclipse, and still other scientists will be observing plants and animals.

With Lafayette Parish School System focusing on hands-on experiences for their science curriculum, teachers say this is a flawless way to get them involved.

· Carefully look at your solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them.

“I’m driving with my mom and son to Santee, S.C., to see the total eclipse”, she said. As for myself, I’m torn.

· Always read and follow all directions that come with the solar filter or eclipse glasses.

I would say if you have the opportunity to get away from Puget Sound to avoid a marine layer if it forms, I would do that.

Retired astrophysicist Fred Espenak told the News-Press in an interview last May that the corona would not be visible while wearing eclipse viewing glasses, just as it is not visible while the sun is not covered.

The U.S. mainland has averaged about seven total solar eclipses per century since 2000 B.C. Some areas have seen as many as 25 eclipses, while others, such as spots west of Minneapolis, have seen only four in the last four millennia.

“In 2024, it’s going to be 97%(sun coverage) in London but if you drive down to St. Thomas or anywhere near the Lake Erie shore you will get to experience a total solar eclipse”, said Cami.

There is a partial eclipse somewhere on earth roughly every six months and a total eclipse somewhere on earth about every 18 months, Thompson said, it just happens that this time the United States is facing the sun when the eclipse will occur.