On August 21 in 2017 don’t go outside. I am telling you this because there is a Solar Eclipse on that very day! You might think that it is harmless but you are wrong…
On that day the moon will completely blot out the sun for observers in 12 states, from Oregon to South Carolina, in the first total solar eclipse visible from the United States mainland since 1979.
How does a solar eclipse happen?
A Solar Eclipse happens very rarely. It happens when the moon goes in front of the Sun and the Earth and almost blocks the sun. It can only happen if the moon is a “New Moon” when the sun and the moon are at a conjunction. In a Sola
r Eclipse the disk of the sun is concealed by the moon. In annual eclipses the sun is only partially covered. Did you know that if the moon was in a perfect circular orbit and a little closer to earth there would be a solar eclipse every month! How cool is that!
But the moon’s orbit is inclined by 5 degrees to the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Because of this the shadow of the new moon usually misses Earth. Earth’s orbit is called the “Ecliptic Plane,” the Moon’s orbit must cross the Ecliptic plane to make a solar eclipse. The Moon’s orbit is elliptical is taking it a long distance from Earth so that its size is not big enough to block the sun totally .
Why is it harmful?
Did you know that in some ancient cultures people assumed that solar eclipses had supernatural powers? Some cultures still think that it is a bad omen.
When it is happening outside do not look at it or there will be bad consequences such as eye damage and/or blindness. Always use special glasses when viewing an eclipse. However, check that the glasses have any cracks. If there is a crack, then, discard the glasses. If you are going to take a picture of a solar eclipse seek expert advice from an astronomer.
Now I hope you know a lot more about solar eclipses than ever! Now you will be prepared for the August 21 Solar Eclipse.
Google’s Solar Minimovie and Simulator!
