Planning For The Eclipse
To prepare for the total solar eclipse, you must determine the optimum location for observing and obtain the necessary equipment to view the partial phases of the eclipse safely.
Although most of the continental United States would observe a partial solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, the path for observing totality was a narrow strip beginning in Oregon and traveling southeasterly to South Carolina.
All locations along this path are not equally desirable. There are two considerations when selecting the viewing location along the totality path: the length of time totality will be available and the probability of clear weather. |
Books and websites can provide the information needed to select a viewing location.
For this eclipse, resources such as the "Great American Eclipse" website and the book entitled "Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 August 21" by Fred Espenak and Jay Anderson provided detailed specifics for numerous locations in each of the twelve states that were to experience totality. Wyoming, for example, would have among the lengthiest times for viewing as well as a high expectation for clear weather conditions at the time of totality. |
An excellent viewing location was the town of Glendo, Wyoming.
Easily accessible from Interstate 25, Glendo would witness totality for 2 minutes 26 seconds, only fourteen seconds shy of the longest duration in the country. Historically, the sky here is clear or mostly clear 63% of the time and partly cloudy about 15% in mid August. The probability of avoiding cloud cover would be high. The observation site selected was the Glendo State Park for its abundance of land and flat terrain. |
Totality can be watched safely naked eye, without solar equipment, as the sun is being completely covered by the sun. However, this is the only time when protective eyewear is not mandatory.
For the partial phases prior to, and after totality, solar glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard are absolutely necessary. Solar filters are similarly needed for cameras and telescopes.
Information on solar observing products and manufacturers are available on the resources page.
For the partial phases prior to, and after totality, solar glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard are absolutely necessary. Solar filters are similarly needed for cameras and telescopes.
Information on solar observing products and manufacturers are available on the resources page.