One Year Pre Anniversary of Total Solar Eclipse
On August 21, 2017 from 1:12 to 1:15 in the afternoon in Columbia the sky will turn black. Two minutes of near total darkness as the moon’s orbit crosses the sun, aligned perfectly so that the shadow of the moon puts portions of Earth into darkness.
Start making plans now for this amazing event being called “The Great American Solar Eclipse.” This is the first time in nearly a century that an event like this is visible from the West to the East Coast. One year from now, areas in 10 states will see total darkness, including portions of Missouri. The entire continental United States will see a partial solar eclipse, but Mid-Missouri is lucky to be placed perfectly in the path of “totality”, or 100% coverage of the sun by the moon.
It will be safe to look at once totality occurs without any form of eye protection, but before and after complete darkness special filters must be used. No telescope will be required, just a clear view of the sky.
Some interesting things will happen in the span of 2 minutes of total darkness: any breeze will stop, birds will stop singing, a drop in temperature, and a chance to see some stars at 1 in the afternoon. It will be an amazing thing to see, and we’re only one year away from the big day.
For more weather and space information follow ABC 17 Meteorologist David Dickson on Facebook.
