The solar eclipse is coming to town! And, as you probably know, Arkansas is peak viewing. But first, what is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth, completely blocking out the Sun. I live in North Eastern Pennsylvania where it is perpetually overcast, so I may not notice it’s happening, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a big deal. The next total solar eclipse won’t occur until 2044.
The most important thing to keep in mind during a solar eclipse is eye safety. You’ll want to wear eclipse glasses if you plan to look directly at the Sun. According to NASA, and they probably know, the only time it’s safe to remove the glasses is during peak totality. Other than that, you’ll need to keep them on.
What are the effects of the eclipse?
The sky becomes dark as if it’s dusk or dawn. Animals become confused. Bats and owls wake up, daywalker animals go to bed. It’s a very confusing time.
For more information on the eclipse and where to go for peak viewing, check out this NASA link.
As for me, I’ll be standing in a parking lot, glasses on, looking up at the sky while listening to Bonnie Tyler.
Ryanne Harper
