Congressman Engel: What to Know About Next Monday’s Solar Eclipse

On Monday August 21st, we will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a solar eclipse. This will be the first time in 99 years that a total solar eclipse will traverse the length of the entire nation from coast to coast. Although New York is outside the path of totality, we will still be able to see the Moon cover up to 70 percent of the Sun over a period of about two and a half hours in the afternoon.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and the Earth. New York will only experience a partial eclipse, where the Moon will pass in front of a portion of the sun. The shadow this casts is called the Penumbra. Elsewhere in the country, along a narrow path about 70 miles wide, viewers will be able to see a total eclipse, where the Sun will be completely obscured by the Moon.

When to Watch

The eclipse will begin Monday, August 21st at 1:23 PM and end at 4:00 PM, with the most coverage occurring at 2:45 PM.

How to Watch

Do not look directly at the Sun and NEVER use binoculars, telescopes, sunglasses, or any unprotected equipment. The only way to safely view the eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters, such as a pair of special eclipse glasses. Homemade filters and ordinary sunglasses are not safe for looking at the sun.

Check with local science museums, schools, and astronomy clubs for eclipse glasses, or you can purchase your own. When purchasing eclipse glasses, make sure to only buy ISO 12312-2 compliant ones. You can find more information on how to view the eclipse at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety.

Where to Watch

The best places to watch the eclipse are outdoors with a clear view of the sky.

Although you may be able to see the eclipse from outside your home, we are fortunate enough to live in a district with many public parks. Parks that have open fields, including ball field, will be good spots for viewing. The Hudson River Museum is also hosting an eclipse event from noon to 3PM on August 21st. 

Special celestial events like this are a great opportunity to engage young people in the wonders of space exploration and study. Know that in Congress I will continue to do all that I can to support agencies like NASA and fight for robust funding for our scientific community.

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