On August 21, 2017, something amazing happened in the sky! A total solar eclipse was visible across the United States. This was the first time since 1979 that people in the lower 48 states could see such an event, and it was a big deal for many Americans.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light. There are different kinds of solar eclipses, like partial and annular eclipses. But during a total solar eclipse, the moon covers the sun completely, which is super cool! When this happens, it gets dark like nighttime, stars come out, and the temperature drops. Even animals that are usually active at night might start moving around!
Total solar eclipses occur about every 18 months somewhere on Earth, but they don’t always happen where lots of people live. Many times, they happen over the ocean or in places where not many people are. That’s why this eclipse was a special chance for many people to see it.
If you were in the United States on August 21, 2017, you needed to plan ahead to see the eclipse. NASA made maps showing where you could see the total eclipse, from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina. If you lived near this path, you might have traveled to see the total eclipse. Lots of people wanted to see it, so planning early was important.
If you weren’t in the path of totality, no worries! Most of North America could still see a partial eclipse.
Safety is super important when watching a solar eclipse. Looking directly at the sun can hurt your eyes or even make you blind, even during an eclipse. The only safe time to look at the sun without protection is during totality, which lasts less than three minutes. So, you need to be ready to watch safely.
To watch the eclipse safely when it’s not in totality, you need a special solar filter. These can be eclipse glasses or handheld filters. Make sure any filter you use is ISO certified and not scratched or damaged.
Never look at the sun through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes, even with a solar filter, because they can focus sunlight and hurt your eyes.
If you don’t have solar filters, there are other ways to watch the eclipse safely. One easy way is to find a tree with lots of leaves. The gaps between the leaves will make little images of the eclipsed sun on the ground. You can also cross your fingers to create the same effect.
Another fun way is to make a pinhole projector. Take a piece of card and poke a small hole in it. Hold the card between the sun and a flat surface to see the moon’s shadow move across the sun.
The Great American Eclipse was an amazing event that many people will remember forever. To enjoy it fully, check maps for the best viewing times and places. If you want to look directly at the eclipse, make sure you have a certified solar filter to protect your eyes. Even if you weren’t in the path of totality, using indirect methods can still make the eclipse exciting to watch.
Get ready for this unforgettable event and enjoy the wonders of the universe!
Create Your Own Eclipse Model: Gather some simple materials like a flashlight, a small ball (to represent the moon), and a larger ball (to represent the Earth). In a dark room, use the flashlight to represent the sun. Shine the flashlight on the larger ball and move the smaller ball between the flashlight and the larger ball to simulate a solar eclipse. Observe how the shadow of the small ball falls on the larger ball. Discuss with your friends or family what you see and how it relates to a real solar eclipse.
Shadow Art Activity: On a sunny day, go outside and find a tree with lots of leaves. Look at the ground under the tree and observe the patterns of light and shadow created by the leaves. Try to find small crescent shapes, which are similar to what you might see during a partial eclipse. Use chalk to trace these shapes on the ground or paper to create your own shadow art. Think about how these shapes are formed and what they tell us about the sun’s light during an eclipse.
Imagine and Write: Imagine you are an animal that is usually active at night, like an owl or a bat. Write a short story about what you might experience during a total solar eclipse. How would you feel when it suddenly gets dark during the day? What would you do? Share your story with your classmates or family and discuss how animals might react to such an unusual event.
