Total Solar Eclipse | Monday August 21, 2017
If you’ve constructed a personal “bucket list,” you might have listed such items as “spend a months time in Australia” or “travel to all 50 states before you turn 50.” Chances are, crossing off some goals would take considerable time, and might also require a healthy budget.
However, you can easily achieve one of your “bucket list” goals on Monday August 21, 2017. If you’re in Murphy, NC (or nearby) on that afternoon, you’ll be a visible spectator for a not-to-be-missed celestial event for the ages: a total solar eclipse. Even better, you’ll be in one of the best viewing spots on Earth. Read on for your guide to this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse.
ENJOY THIS SOLAR ECLIPSE SNAPSHOT
Because most of us haven’t ever seen a solar eclipse, here’s an easy-to-understand explanation of what will happen on August 21, 2017. First, let’s note the timeframe, as the most exciting action will occur in less than 20 minutes. At 2:33 p.m. EDT, the total solar eclipse begins in North Carolina. At 2:49 p.m. EDT, this spectacular cosmic event comes to an end.
In a nutshell, here’s what happens during a solar eclipse, according to NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration). First, it’s common knowledge that the Moon orbits the Earth. Sometimes, the Moon’s orbit places it between the Sun and the Earth, preventing (at least some of) the Sun’s light from reaching the Earth. When this happens, a solar eclipse takes place. On August 21, Nasa has confirmed that most of North America will experience a 2-3 hour partial eclipse, in which the Moon partially blocks the Sun’s rays.
Halfway through this total solar eclipse event, millions of people who live within a 70-mile-wide swath from Oregon to South Carolina and peeking into Georgia, will experience a very short visible total eclipse, in which the Moon, in it’s path, will completely blocks the Sun’s rays from view. Depending on your location, the total eclipse will only last a maximum of 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
HERE’S WHAT WE CAN EXPECT DURING THE SOLAR ECLIPSE
So, here’s what people in our region can expect during this brief total eclipse. First, the sky will become very dark, like a moonless night with no clouds. According to Lika Guhathakurta, lead scientist for the Living With a Star Program at NASA Headquarters, we’ll also notice a temperature drop. Animals will resort to their noctural behaviors, so we might hear some birds and/or insects that are normally active at night.
As the celestial drama unfolds, we’ll see bright stars and planets dotting the midnight-black sky. Best of all, the sun’s shimmering corona, or outer atmosphere, will also be visible during this brief period. We’ll likely always remember this amazing spectacle. Then, just as quickly, the sky will brighten as the Sun re-emerges from the Moon’s shadow. Our once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse will be over.
FIND THE BEST SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING AREAS
As luck would have it, southwestern North Carolina is a perfect solar eclipse spot. In fact, Andrews, North Carolina is on the exact centerline of the path of totality, or total solar eclipse coverage. That location will give Andrews-area viewers one of the longest totality periods in the region. However, several other towns will also make terrific vantage points. While Murphy’s our first choice, you might also consider Hayesville and Franklin to the east, or Robbinsville and Fontana Lake to the northwest.
Or, travel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a high-elevation eclipse experience live. From a high unobstructed location, you can watch the surrounding landscape become dramatically darker as totality arrives. Just as quickly, you’ll see the mountains and valleys regain their lush green color as the sun reappears.
CATCH THESE CHEROKEE COUNTY SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENTS
Here in Cherokee County, the towns of Andrews and Murphy have scheduled dual eclipse celebrations, both set for Monday, August 21 from noon to 6 p.m. Both festivals are titled “The Great American Eclipse Center Line Celebration.” In Andrews’ Hall Park, people will enjoy tasty food, beer, and wine while listening to live music. Murphy’s Konehete Park will host the town’s eclipse party, for which planning is currently underway.
MAKE YOUR SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PREPARATIONS
First, choose your solar eclipse viewing spot. For the most memorable experience, select a location inside the path of totality. If you’re very close to the totality centerline, you’ll see the maximum length of totality. Next, find an open spot that offers a clear view of the sun’s current location along with its position at the time of the eclipse.
Most importantly, don’t park yourself on private property without obtaining the owner’s permission. Also, observe any local laws and/or regulations. If your town has established an official viewing location, that should provide an optimum setting for your eclipse viewing experience. If you’re still looking for options, consider State Parks and interstates’ Rest Areas.
Finally, pack yourself a bag of eclipse viewing supplies. Because you’ll be in the August sunshine for several hours, bring sunblock, sunglasses, and a good head covering. Pack a cooler with lots of cold water, but leave the alcohol at home. Throw several blankets and chairs in your vehicle as well. Most importantly, bring approved eclipse viewing glasses (or an approved solar viewer) for everyone in your group.
READ GUIDELINES FOR SAFELY VIEWING THE ECLIPSE
Naturally, the solar eclipse fever is running high, and everyone here (and across the country) wants to have the best possible eclipse viewing experience. However, don’t let your excitement make you throw caution to the winds, and attempt to view the sun without special eye protection. Your ordinary sunglasses won’t provide that protection. If you make that foolish mistake, the sun’s harmful radiation can cause severe eye damage – temporary or permanent.
To avoid that disastrous result, use specially approved “eclipse glasses” or an approved handheld “solar viewer” to view the uneclipse or partially eclipsed sun. Look for approved eclipse glasses or solar viewers from these four manufacturers: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17. These companies have certified that their eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for these products giving you the best visible experience.
Learn to Safely Use Your Eclipse Glasses or Solar Viewer
If you spend some cash on approved eclipse glasses or a solar viewer, and don’t know how to properly use the device, you’ll be wasting your money and could jeopardize your vision. So, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the equipment, and you’ll be ready to catch every precious second of the solar eclipse when it occurs.
Closely Inspect Your Eclipse Glasses or Solar Viewer
Shortly before the eclipse event, take a close look at your eclipse glasses or solar viewer. If you see scratches or other damage, don’t use the device. Review the applicable instructions, and closely supervise children who are using the glasses or viewer.
Always Protect Your Eyes When Viewing the Sun
Before viewing the super-bright or partially eclipsed sun, cover your eyes with your approved eclipse glasses or solar viewer. After looking briefly at the sun, turn away before removing the glasses or viewer. Never remove the device while you’re still looking at the sun or when the sun is visible.
View the Sun with Your Unprotected Eyes ONLY During Totality
Assuming you’re within the path of totality, remove your eclipse glasses or solar viewer ONLY when the Moon totally covers the Sun’s bright face and the sky becomes dramatically darker. Soak up the brief totality experience, but keep your protective device close at hand. When the bright Sun begins to emerge from the Moon’s shadow, quickly slip on your eclipse glasses or solar viewer to protect your eyes before briefly glancing at the Sun.
Don’t Use Magnifying or Photographic Equipment During the Eclipse
You might find it tempting to look at the bright or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered telescope, camera, phone, binoculars, or similar optical device – but don’t do it. In a similar vein, don’t use any of these devices while using your eclipse glasses or solar viewer. You’ll seriously injure your eyes when the concentrated solar rays damage the filter and pass into your eyes.
Now that you’ve gotten the details on the upcoming total solar eclipse for aug 2017, and have learned how to safely view this spectacular sight, gather your family and friends for a Murphy, NC eclipse viewing party. Then, relax and enjoy this not-to-be-missed total experience that you’ll remember for many years.
Date : Monday, August 21, 2017
Total Solar Eclipse
Murphy, NC USA
For more information, visit the NASA website – https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2017Aug21Tgoogle.html
The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – ilovemurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team