Wow, Did You See That? (The 2017 Solar Eclipse)

This was an exciting historic event!  Unfortunately I was not able to see it from my area due to the overcast skies and cloud cover. Total bummer!  And I was sad for the kids at school too - they had plans (and the glasses) to watch the eclipse but weren't able to see it.  

 The next best thing to being there was by watching it live on TV and YouTube.

 Why was this event so special?  Here's what NASA's live broadcast site said about the event:

 "For the first time in U.S. history, a total solar eclipse that crosses the country from coast to coast will be visible only in America. The rare celestial spectacle in August has been dubbed “The Great American Eclipse.”

 The moon will completely block the sun, momentarily engulfing parts of about a dozen states in sudden darkness, on Aug. 21, 2017, experts say. No one outside the continental U.S. will be able to see the eclipse,"
This show will cover the path of totality the eclipse will take across the United States, from Oregon to South Carolina. The program will feature views from NASA research aircraft, high-altitude balloons, satellites and specially-modified telescopes. It also will include live reports from Charleston, as well as from Salem, Oregon; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Beatrice, Nebraska; Jefferson City, Missouri; Carbondale, Illinois; Hopkinsville, Kentucky; and Clarksville, Tennessee.
According to Time.com's article on the 2017 eclipse,  Goreville, Illinois, a town of 1,067 people, will be able to view the eclipse for the longest time period, just over two-and-a-half minutes.
DID YOU KNOW? During totality, when the sun's disk is completely covered by the moon, it is safe to view the eclipse with the naked eye. But skywatchers should NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. See our complete guide to find out how to view the eclipse safely.  


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