NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN without proper eyewear.
There are many devices used to view eclipses safely. The most familiar are solar eclipse glasses. Other indirect viewing and projection devices are quite popular as well. It is important to check that any viewing device meets safety standards.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s path crosses in front of the sun blocking all or some of the sunlight to a portion of Earth’s surface. Although the moon is much smaller than the sun, it is also much further away, making it able to completely cover the view of the sun at certain times. Each total solar eclipse can only be experienced on a narrow swath of Earth’s surface. A larger area of the surface will experience varying degrees of partial eclipsing.
Is a total solar eclipse that much better than a partial eclipse?
The difference between a partial eclipse and a total eclipse is literally night and day. Most of us have experienced partial eclipses, and while interesting, they do not have the awe-inspiring effects of total eclipses. It is well worth the effort to travel to an area of totality from anywhere in Ohio, as all areas are within a short drive of the “real deal.” The last totality in Ohio occurred in1806, so unless someone has traveled, they have never seen anything quite like what is coming our way.
How long will the eclipse last?
The entire event takes several hours, but the period of totality is relatively short, under 5 minutes. The further you are from the center line, the shorter the totality time. At the center line, it may be 4 or more minutes, but at the edge lines, totality will last just a few seconds. Keep this in mind as you plan your viewing site.
Besides getting dark, what can I expect to experience?
In areas of totality, it will seem like nighttime has arrived midafternoon. It will get dark and the temperature will drop. Animals may be seen exhibiting nighttime behaviors. For example, bats and other nocturnal animals may come out, and diurnal animals may start to bed down for the night. You are encouraged to have students research these phenomena prior to the eclipse and to be on the lookout for them as you participate on eclipse day.
