It’s finally here; so many people have been counting down the days until August 21, 2017, when a solar eclipse is going to encompass practically all of the United States. It’s a rare sight because it’s the first time since 1918 that the moon will block the sun completely across a 70-mile wide path from the U.S. West Coast to the East Coast. Most of the U.S. will get to see a partial eclipse.
Since most of us will be in the path of the eclipse, I wanted to share with you some tips I’ve gathered to safely watch the eclipse:
- CAMP OUT– There are several cities from Salem, Oregon, to Nashville, Tennessee, to Charleston, South Carolina, that will fall into the path of totality. Totality is when the moon completely covers the sun and the only time you can safely look at the eclipse. Before and after totality, you will have to use safety glasses. Hotels and AirBNB‘s in the area are sold out, so a lot of people are pitching tents and camping out.
- WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR- DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN! I want to make sure you know how important it is to NOT look directly at the sun. If you want to look at the eclipse, make sure you are wearing protective eye-wear. Eclipse viewing glasses should have a certification designated ISO 12312-2 international standard. If you don’t have protective gear, DON’T LOOK AT THE ECLIPSE and make sure you explain that to your children too.
- BE PATIENT – Experts say about 200 million people are within a day’s drive to the path of totality, so that means, there will be lots of people on the road. If you’re one of them, be patient. Drivers could be looking at extra travel time, as everyone who may have left early to watch the eclipse, tries to get back home or to their final destination.
- WATCH IT ON TV OR ONLINE – If you have to work, your best bet is to watch it on TV or online. NASA is offering 8 different looks through its website. Here is the link: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov so you can see it for yourself without going out of your way.
A total eclipse is an event that hasn’t happened in the U.S. for 99 years, so it is a big deal. Our Brigade Bookkeeping team may run outside and take a look at the darkness and shadows caused by the eclipse. That might be a good tactic for you and your employees as well. Remember, if you do plan to look at the eclipse, make sure you’re protected with the right eclipse viewing glasses.