August 21st Solar Eclipse

August 21st Solar Eclipse

Matthew Damian, Staff Writer

This Monday, the first American solar eclipse since 1979 will occur. The eclipse is predicted to be seen at totality within a narrow 70 miles wide band, stretching across North-Western U.S.A and curving down into South-Eastern U.S.A. The totality will affect cities such as Salem OR, Lincoln NE, Jefferson City MO, Nashville TN, and Charleston SC. If you plan to travel to any locations on the Path of Totality, expect crowded roads, and non-vacant hotels. Here in Southern California, we will not be experiencing 100% totality, but we will experience an exciting partial eclipse of about 69% totality. The eclipse will begin at 9:05 AM PST (Pacific Standard Time), will be seen in 69% totality at 10:21 AM PST, and concludes at 11:44 AM PST. During a solar eclipse, the moon aligns with the Earth and sun causing a short duration of darkness (at the point of 100% totality), giving the illusion of night. Here in Southern California, we will not experience darkness, but we may be able to experience a “sunset” sky. Remember not to look directly at the eclipse without specially made glasses while it occurs due to sun rays becoming heightened and permanently damaging your eye sight. If you are interested in purchasing some of these glasses, make sure they are NASA approved to avoid possible scams. If you do happen to miss this extraordinary event, make sure you mark your calendars for April 8th, 2024 for the next Great American Eclipse. A solar eclipse is a forever memorable event. So put it on your bucket list and keep your eyes open (with eclipse glasses of course) this Monday because although we won’t experience totality it will still be a historical day.