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Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017

Eclipse

On Monday, August 21, 2017 there will be a solar eclipse. It’s one of those rare events that happen only once or twice in a lifetime. The last total solar eclipse in the United States occurred in 1979.

Because of the orbital path of the moon and the rotation of the earth the path of totality (where you can see a total eclipse) will pass through portions of 14 states. New Jersey is not in totality range and you will only see a partial solar eclipse here.

Warning: to safely view the solar eclipse, you’ll need a special pair of ultra-dark sunglasses known as solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses.  IN ORDER TO LOOK AT THE ECLIPSE YOU MUST WEAR SPECIAL PROTECTIVE ECLIPSE GLASSES AT ALL TIMES. DO NOT TAKE OFF THE ECLIPSE GLASSES AT ANYTIME DURING THE ECLIPSE. Parents watch your children carefully when viewing the eclipse. IF YOU LOOK AT THE SOLAR ECLIPSE EVEN FOR A FEW SECONDS WITHOUT PROTECTION, YOU WILL DAMAGE YOUR EYES. If you don’t have the special eclipse glasses, do not look at it.

For more information go to: http://www.cbsnews.com: How to protect your eyes while viewing the solar eclipse

Be warned, there are many companies selling fraudulent eclipse glasses which will not protect your eyes. Reputable companies selling eclipse glasses are recommended by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and are available online. For a list of reputable vendors go to www.eclipse.aas.org The glasses should state ISO Certified on them. Be warned, some fraudulent companies put ISO labels on them, even though they don’t meet the specs.

Make sure your pets are inside to avoid any problems. Unless you have the proper filters for your cameras, binoculars or telescopes – do not use them!

For those who want to photograph the eclipse: From www.space.com: WARNING: Never look directly at the sun without eye protection, such as solar-viewing glasses or a solar filter for your camera, binoculars or telescope. Failure to do so can result in serious eye injury or permanent blindness. A No. 14 arc-welder’s glass filter is also acceptable, but ordinary sunglasses and polarizing or neutral-density filters used in regular photography are not safe and should not be used.

For more information, go to www.space.com

In Perth Amboy, the eclipse will start at 1:22 p.m., the maximum view available in our area will be at 2:44 p.m. and will last for 2 minutes 40 seconds. The eclipse ends at 4 p.m. K.M.

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