Solar Eclipse Aug. 21st
Get ready! Be safe! On Monday, August 21st, a total solar eclipse will cut a path across the United States, from Oregon to South Carolina, turning day into night. Here in western Massachusetts, we’ll experience a 72% partial eclipse, beginning at 1:25 pm, with the peak at 2:44 pm. The Moon will come between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon will partially cover the Sun’s disk. The lunar shadow will darken the sky, temperatures will drop and bright stars may appear at a time that is normally broad daylight.
It’s NEVER safe to look directly at the sun. To watch the partial phases of the eclipse, you’ll need to protect your eyes. Sunglasses will NOT do the job. WEAR CERTIFIED ECLIPSE GLASSES, available free of charge to all patients of Northampton Vision Specialists. Stop in and pick up your pair!
The total solar eclipse Aug. 21 is particularly rare because it’s the first time the path of totality exclusively crosses the continental U.S from coast to coast since 1918. It’s also the first continent-wide eclipse to be visible only from the United States since 1776.
Retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak, also known as Mr. Eclipse, said the experience “is unlike any other you’ve ever had. It’s a visceral experience; you feel it. The hair on your arms, on the back of your neck stand up. You get goosebumps. You have to be there.” Listen to Mr. Eclipse!