For the first time in almost 100 years, residents in the United States can witness a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse – and fortunately for Southside residents, the chance to witness the event is only about a 6-hour drive away.
While a partial solar eclipse may be visible from right here in Hampton Roads, skygazers can head down to South Carolina to witness totality, or the full solar eclipse.
The eclipse will happen August 21, crossing the U.S. through 14 states, starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina, according to NASA.
There are different types of eclipses, both lunar and solar. A lunar eclipse occurs when the shadow of the earth falls on the moon, causing the moon to appear dark.
“A solar eclipse happens when the moon’s orbit puts it directly between the Earth and the sun, and the moon’s shadow falls on the Earth’s surface,” said Scott Spike, secretary for the Cape Fear Astronomical Society in North Carolina. “Solar eclipses can block part of the sun, called a partial eclipse, or can cover the sun completely, called a total eclipse. This August’s total eclipse will be visible all the way across the United States, but only a narrow path will be along the path of totality.”
The solar eclipse is when people would see the iconic image of a black circle with a halo of light surrounding it. Totality occurs when the moon moves fully in front of the sun – while a partial eclipse only provides partial coverage.
Spike offered some viewing advice for those hoping to make the most of the experience.
Never look directly at the sun …The only time it’s safe to view directly is during totality — which will not be happening in hampton roads during this eclipse.
How to watch
Staring at the sun is never a good idea especially without proper eye protection – this remains true during a solar eclipse. NASA suggests several viewing methods to ensure eye safety.
“Never look directly at the sun, even when it’s 96 percent covered,” Spike said. Even the thin sliver of 4 percent can cause permanent vision damage. The only time it’s safe to view directly is during totality, which will not be happening in Hampton Roads during this eclipse.
- Eclipse safety glasses can be found online for purchase, regular sunglasses do not offer enough protection.
- Create a pinhole projector to view the shadow of the sun on the ground.
Where to watch
“At 2:48 p.m. EST on August 21, the height of the eclipse, observers will be able to see a thin sliver of the sun, which will resemble a crescent Moon,” Spike said.
- There are several official NASA viewing events in South Carolina
- NASA released a solar eclipse map
- Click here for a list of locations to get a view of the eclipse.
When to watch
- The eclipse begins at 9:06 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time in Madras, Ore., and moves across the country over the next several hours
- In Columbia, S.C., the eclipse begins at 1:13 p.m. with totality beginning at 2:41 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
- The eclipse totality is estimated to end in Charleston, S.C. at 2:48 p.m. EDT
- Totality only lasts for a few minutes according to NASA, at its longest for two minutes and 40 seconds in Illinois
This article was published in partnership with Southside Daily’s sister publication, Port City Daily.
