Getting Ready for the Solar Eclipse, August 21, 2017

Posted by ncarmack on 18 July 2017

All CCPLS locations will be distributing solar eclipse viewing glasses on a first come, first served basis, beginning Wednesday, August 16th, limit two per family (sharing is great!), along with activity and information pages. Rustburg, Timbrook, and Altavista will also have glasses available on the day of for impromptu viewing parties! Join us for this spectacular natural event.

Here is a bit of background about the upcoming Solar Eclipse:

On August 21, 2017, the shadow of the Moon will sweep across the Earth, producing the first total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States since 1979. The partial phases of the eclipse will be visible throughout Virginia and are well worth watching. (about 86% coverage).

The last solar eclipse across the USA was about 100 years ago (1918).  Next solar eclipse in USA will happen in 2024.

Viewing will start around 1:15 and last till 4:00 (maximum viewing will be around 2:40).

Here are some links for more learning!

General Information:

Videos about eclipses:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jaxiha8-rY
• https://www.2017solar.com/eclipse/
• https://eyes.jpl.nasa.gov/eyes-on-eclipse-web-app.html#

How to Safely View Eclipse:

• https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/how-to-view-eclipse
• https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/video/safe-viewing-techniques
• Creating a pinhole camera, which is a simple low cost option:      https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/

Live Streaming of the Great American Eclipse:

• https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive
• https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse

Viewing Times in Lynchburg, VA: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/lynchburg

Content contributed by:

Lani Patrick, Instructional Specialist for Science, Campbell County Public Schools