Eclipse 2017
On the afternoon of August 21, 2017, a very rare total eclipse of the sun will be visible in the United States. Nearly the entire country will be able to see a partial solar eclipse that lasts over an hour as the moon slowly moves in front of the sun. In a few places, the sun will be completely blocked out for a few minutes.
What will the Sun look like during the eclipse from Elon?
In Elon and throughout Alamance County, people will see a partial eclipse with a maximum of 93% of the sun covered by the moon. A simple eclipse simulator, created by Berkeley and Google, will show you an animation of what the eclipse will look like from your location.
Where do I need to go to see the total solar eclipse?
You’ll need to be in the “path of totality” to see a total eclipse. This is a narrow line that stretches from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. In the Carolinas, the total solar eclipse will be visible in the far western tip of NC and the middle of SC. Detailed maps are available from NASA.
Where can I get eclipse glasses?
Do NOT look at a partial eclipse without eclipse glasses! Only the total eclipse is safe to view without glasses. In Alamance County, eclipse glasses will be available in local public libraries while supplies last. At Elon University, people can pick-up glasses at Belk Library. Unless you are traveling to see the total solar eclipse (in SC or western NC), having one pair of eclipse glasses shared in a household should suffice since the partial eclipse phase will last over an hour. Eclipse glasses can be purchased online from one of the five NASA-approved vendors. Supplies are running low nationwide and unsafe “counterfeit” glasses are available so be certain to order these early.
How can I help scientists collect data during the eclipse?
The American Astronomical Society invites citizen-scientists to collect and contribute data to various research projects during the eclipse.
Where can I learn more about the eclipse?
The best general resources for the eclipse are offered by NASA and the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) AstroShop offers educational eclipse materials to teachers and the public. The Washington Post has created several unique visuals for conveying aspects of the eclipse to the public.