The next 2017 solar eclipse will be here before you know it! Experts slate it for August—the 21st, to be exact. This is a momentous occasion for US astronomers, as there hasn’t been an eclipse over American soil in nearly 40 years. With such a rare and important event on the horizon, it’s only natural for you to want to do everything you can to prepare for it. If the idea of witnessing the 2017 solar eclipse sounds thrilling to you, here are a few things to know.
How Can You Watch the Eclipse?
It’s easy to watch the 2017 solar eclipse up close. In fact, you’ll be able to see it fairly easy anywhere you are in the United States, as it should show up partially (at minimum) across our skies. The best news is you don’t need to make any special effort to watch the solar eclipse unfold. All you need is your own eyes… and one extra component.
Safety First
It’s no secret that solar eclipses are an intense phenomena. Every expert will tell you not to watch the 2017 solar eclipse dead-on without protection. In this case, this means a pair of solar glasses, which are designed to protect your eyes from the extreme rays of light and radiation produced by the Sun. In fact, the only time it is safe to remove your glasses is during the period known as “totality,” where the Sun is completely blocked out and emits no light. Once this moment ends, it’s vital that you put your solar glasses back on.
This event is, for many, a once in a lifetime affair that you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for August 21, 2017, and witness nature at its apex!