The upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, has generated considerable interest around campus and beyond. Although we are not in the 70 miles wide path of the total eclipse, if it is not cloudy, we will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Lucky people, those who registered for it (registrations are closed), will be able to watch it courtesy of Villanova’s Astrophysics and Planetary Science Department.

What exactly is a solar eclipse? During a total solar eclipse, the moon appears to completely cover the sun and the sun’s corona (its outer atmosphere) is visible. Outside the path of the total eclipse, observers will see a partial eclipse in which the sun is partially covered by the moon.

Warning: Unless you are wearing approved eclipse glasses do not look at the sun during an eclipse (except during the short time it is completely covered) and do not photograph it (unless you have the appropriate filter on your camera). To watch the eclipse without the proper glasses, use a pinhole camera or solar eclipse viewer. These are easy to make and directions are available below.

There are two to five solar eclipses per year; total solar eclipses are less frequent – one about every 18 months. So if you miss this one, there will be more.

Dig Deeper:

 “How to Make a Solar Eclipse Viewer.” Live Science Staff.

“How to Make a Pinhole Camera.” NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

NASA Eclipse 2017 Live-Streaming Video of Total Solar Eclipse The video begins at noon with an “Eclipse Preview Show,” and at 1 p.m. the “Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA.” “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; Hapkinsonville, Kentucky; and Clarksville, Tennessee.” (NASA website)

“2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Tips – US Dept. of Interior.”

“Eclipse: Who? What? Where? and How?” NASA

“Solar specs needed for safe viewing of eclipse.” Marcia Dunn

Books in Falvey

Partial solar eclipse image from Pixabay.com

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