Cool Total Solar Eclipse Facts

The closer we get to the total solar eclipse, the more excited I get about experiencing it!
Experts and scientists have been talking about this celestial event for years but unless you’ve been binge-watching and following NASA there’s probably a lot more you could learn. Now you can come to the party prepared with these cool total solar eclipse facts; I’ve got the fun stuff that everyone should know!
• The width of the moon’s shadow is at most 170 miles wide.
• If you live in the continental U.S. you will see at least a partial eclipse with 48% of the sun’s surface covered by the moon.
Related post: Mathematical Order Of The Starry Sky
• The difference in a partial solar eclipse and a total eclipse is literally “night and day”. Even with 48% coverage, during a partial eclipse, you won’t notice your surroundings getting darker and are not likely to experience the changes in nature you might see with a total eclipse.
• To be the first person to see the total eclipse you’ll have to travel to Government Point, Oregon. The first point of contact will occur here at 10:15:56am PDT on the waterfront.
• You might be surprised to learn that you won’t need a telescope. The total eclipse phase is best viewed with the naked eye.
• At the time of the total eclipse, when the moon covers the sun, it is safe to view the sun. To truly experience this amazing event you must look at the sun during these couple of minutes without a filter. (Note: Until the moment of total eclipse you must wear eye protection especially made for solar viewing. It is dangerous to look directly at the sun)
• At the path of totality, depending on your surroundings, you will notice changes taking place in nature. As totality gets near; animals may appear confused or restless, blooms from plant-life might close, birds will stop chirping and the silence increase, and shadows will appear differently. Expect temperature to drop between 5-20 degrees and any breeze that is present will dissipate. (I love this stuff!)
• The next total eclipse will happen on April 8th, 2024.
No matter where you decide to spend August 21st, I hope you take two minutes to experience the wonder and awe that this event has to offer.
Total Solar Eclipse Facts
• The center line, known as the zone of totality, crosses through 12 states. This is the path that will experience a complete solar eclipse. • This total eclipse will be the biggest event in science with tens of millions heading to the zone of totality. Not only will this be the most viewed eclipse ever, in the zone it could likely be the greatest thing you’ve ever seen.
Total Solar Eclipse Links
What To Bring To Your Total Solar Eclipse Viewing NASA's eclipse live stream NASA's Eclipse 2017 site