By Aiden ArmstrongShould you be sat in the most convenient location on August 21, 2017, you may be able to see a total solar eclipse from several advantageous points across the US. You will require glasses with efficient solar filters to view this phenomenon safely.
Where Can You View From?
Expectations are that the area covered by the total solar eclipse will be parts of North and South America, some of Western Europe, all the North Atlantic Ocean and parts of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 80% of the sun will be eclipsed and those in the small belt from north-west to south-east may be able to experience the total blackout.
When Did This Last Occur?
You need to go back in history and open the history books to the year 1918, when the last eclipse occurred, that covered the US from coast to coast.
Experts suggest that a total solar eclipse can be seen somewhere in the world almost every 18 months. Very few people could see the full eclipse and if they had, they should have ensured they were wearing solar filters to prevent damage to their eyes. Without the eye protection, long-term damage, which may include blindness, may have occurred.
Schools, universities and everyone who wants to watch the sky will be sure to try and catch a glimpse of the eclipse, even if it is not total where they are. There are suggestions in the press and across the Internet that we should expect as many as 12 million individuals to experience the event.
There have been three solar eclipses in recent history, in 1963, 1970 and 1979. 2017 will be different because this is going to be a total solar eclipse.
How Many People Require Total Eclipse Glasses?
It is estimated that up to 220 million people live within 500 miles of the area where the total solar eclipse can be watched carefully through solar filters. This means that you may live within just one day’s drive of being able to see something that none of your relations have ever seen before.
Of the four types of solar eclipses, total, partial, annular and hybrid, this is the first opportunity that most people in the US will combine the purchase of solar filters and the sight of the total eclipse of the sun. Should you miss the opportunity, you may have to wait until 2206 before you can observe the next total eclipse.
