For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will sweep the entire width of the United States.
On August 21st, 2017 parts of 11 different states will experience a TOTAL solar eclipse where for a brief moment the moon will pass directly in front of the sun.
The total eclipse will block out the sun’s light completely for around 2 to 3 minutes, depending on where you are while viewing it.
This upcoming event has people all over the world waiting in eager anticipation. For a lot of people this will be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the moon pass directly in front of the sun.
A little preparation now can ensure that you and your family enjoy the event while keeping your eyes healthy & safe.
When it comes to viewing this special event, there is big potential risk involved. Looking at the sun at any point during the eclipse can be harmful, if not detrimental to your eyes.
According to the AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology) website:
“Staring at the sun for even a short time without wearing the right eye protection can damage your retina permanently. It can even cause blindness, called solar retinopathy.”
This isn’t to be taken lightly. Witnessing a special event like this isn’t worth risking long term damage to your eyes, but there are ways to be safe.
Steps To Follow For Safely Watching a Solar Eclipse:
• Only purchase or use “eclipse glasses” from reputable dealers
• Carefully inspect your eclipse glasses before using them
• Do not use eclipse glasses if scratched, wrinkled or damaged in any way
• Glasses given after cataract surgery are not safe for viewing the sun
• If you plan to look at the sun at any time, it is best practice to always keep your eclipse glasses on so you don’t forget
• Do not remove eclipse glasses while looking at the sun
• Never look at the sun through a camera, telescope or binoculars
• Read and follow all directions that comes with your solar filter or eclipse glasses
**Ordinary sunglasses (even extra dark ones) & homemade filters will not protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
There are numerous eye doctors in Topeka & surrounding areas who are offering these special “eclipse glasses.” The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library also announced they would be offering solar eclipse glasses the day of the event, so check with them in advance to make 100% sure you can get a pair. This would be a great place to start if you’re looking for eclipse glasses.
Recommendations By NASA:
NASA recommends “eclipse glasses” from three manufacturers: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, and Thousand Oaks Optical.
The space agency also encourages viewers to make sure their eclipse glasses are less than 3 years old, don’t have any scratches or wrinkles, and have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on them. Dark sunglasses will not keep your eyes safe if looking directly at the sun.
As you can see on the map below, the total eclipse will cross the Northeast part of Kansas. The cities in between the red lines will have a great chance at seeing the total solar eclipse.
You MUST be in the path shown below in order to see totality!
You’ll also notice that Hiawatha, KS (only 1 hour from Topeka) is one of the cities VERY close to a perfect position on the blue line. Weather permitting, Hiawatha will experience total darkness for 2 minutes and 34 seconds.
Checkout Hiawatha’s “Brown County Blackout” Facebook page for event details. There will be festivities for the whole family, such as live music, a beer garden, food and kid-friendly fun.
Various viewing areas will be set up allowing attendees to witness the eclipse from all angles. Again, eye protection is a MUST if you plan to view the eclipse.
So if you’re looking to watch the 2017 total solar eclipse in Northeast Kansas, Hiawatha would be a great place to be!
For more information, you can contact:
Deidra Leander
Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau
611 Utah – Hiawatha, KS 66434
(785) 742-7136
This will be such a special event for scientist and enthusiasts alike. However, it’s not worth risking your eyesight.
If you plan on viewing the total solar eclipse on August, 21st 2017, then PLEASE make sure you do so safely by protecting your beloved eyes. Take another look at the list above and only purchase trusted & reputable solar glasses or filters.
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