On Monday, August 21st the United States will be witness to a rare solar eclipse; solar eclipses occur when the moon passes in between the Earth and the Sun blocking out the sun. This total solar eclipse will begin in Oregon and move across the United States ending in South Carolina. From beginning to end, the solar eclipse, opens a new window could last up to 3 hours, but the total eclipse (when the moon completely blocks the sun) will be visible for only a short time.
It is anticipated that Tacoma will see approximately 93% of the sun eclipsed; starting around 9:10am and ending at 11:40am with the eclipse peaking at 10:20am.
The next total eclipse over the U.S. won’t be visible until April 8, 2024.
For additional information about the eclipse, please check out NASA’s website, opens a new window and for reputable manufacturers of solar filters, please check out American Astronomical Society’s website, opens a new window.
TIPS FOR VIEWING A SOLAR ECLIPSE
- It is never safe to look at the sun during an eclipse
- Pick up some eclipse glasses
- Always supervise children using solar filters/glasses.
- Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
Check out these titles from Tacoma Public Library about eclipses and space.
