5 Things to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse

total solar eclipse

The coming August 21 total solar eclipse is a much rarer and special event than you might have realized. It is literally a once-in-a-lifetime event. Here are 5 things you might want to know about it, where and how to enjoy it.

1. First Eclipse Here in 500 Years

All of the country will see a partial eclipse. But a southeastern diagonal stretch across the country about 70-miles wide from Portland, Oregon to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina are the only places in the world that will see the moon totally eclipse the sun. The point where the eclipse will last the longest is from the northwestern corner of Missouri to the southeastern corner of Tennessee– it will last about two minutes and forty seconds there, starting at about 1:15 central time.

The last time a total eclipse occurred in this area was more than 500 years ago in 1478. The Shawnee, Yuchi and Cherokee Native Americans who populated the area then would have been the people to see it last. The next time one will occur in the same place is in 2566.

2. When it Will Occur

The eclipse will be: Monday, August 21, 2017
Partial eclipse begins: 11:58 a.m. CDT
Start of totality: 1:27 p.m. CDT
Total eclipse duration: 1 minute 55 seconds
End of totality: 1:29 p.m. CDT
Partial eclipse ends: 2:54 p.m. CDT

We should see a partial eclipse from about noon to 3 p.m. There are 35 counties in Tennessee that will see a total eclipse. Unfortunately, it will not last long in Williamson County, about one or two seconds. The path goes north of us. Check this link from NASA to see exactly where and how long and when the eclipse will be.

3. Places to Watch it

From Tennessee State Parks to downtown Nashville watch-parties, here is a list of places to view the eclipse.

Total Eclipse in the Park – Tennessee State Parks in the line of the eclipse have events and watch parties planned.

Best Place Tennessee – Trip Advisor started a helpful forum to discuss the best places to watch the eclipse.

Cheekwood Viewing Party – Typically closed to the public on Mondays, Cheekwood will open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. to host the event and will offer half-price admission. The viewing party will feature special programming and featured entertainment, including food trucks, cash bars and live music. Cheekwood will also be offering protective eyewear for guests’ viewing. Cheekwood is located at 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205.

First Tennessee Viewing Party –  First Tennessee Park,19 Junior Gilliam Way, is welcoming people to view the eclipse.

4. How to Safely View the Eclipse

Don’t look directly at it, seriously. Your third-grade teacher was right, it is very bad for your eyes. The safest and best way to view an eclipse is to build a camera obscura, which is easy.

A camera obscura works on the same principle as a camera, and you can build one with cardboard. Here is a great instructional video from NASA.

5. Educational Tools to Prepare You for the Eclipse

The Adventure Science Center is hosting pre-eclipse educational events. There will be a special session on July 22, with daily programming in the Planetarium called The Sun Revealed.

Eclipse2017– This website has devoted itself to everything eclipse.

NASA’s official eclipse page.