Monique Robinson
wmal.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Just days away from one of the rarest nature events that millions of people across the nation will get the chance to see –a total solar eclipse.
“It depends on where you are but, if you happen to be along the path of the solar eclipse, which runs from the Central Oregon coast across 14 states to South Carolina, you will see what happens to be the single most incredible sight you will see in your lifetime,” said Public Affairs Officer for the US Naval Observatory Geoff Chester.
On Monday, August 21, the moon will pass the sun and block all or part of the sun. In the D.C.-metro region, the moon will cover about 81% of the sun at 2:42 P.M., according to the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI). But, the eclipse will be visible from 1:17 PM to 4:01 PM.
But, astronomers, forecasters and weather experts urge and warn viewers to not observe this cross-country phenomena without taking safety precautions.
“If you look at the sun with your naked eye, you will do permanent damage to your eye. ” said Chester. “The only safe way to view the sun directly is through the eclipse glasses.”
Drivers should also be cautious.
“It’s going be a lot of people with cameras looking up and looking around and not necessarily looking where they are going so, make sure you keep an eye out for pedestrian activity,” said Maryland Department of Transportation and Highway Administration Spokesperson Charlie Gischlar.
It is not advised to wear the eclipse viewing glasses while driving.
“We don’t want people driving with those opaque glasses.,” said Gischlar. “All attention needs to be on the roadway. They may obscure your vision. They are designed for looking up at the eclipse and not at the roadways.”
According to the DOI, the solar eclipse will last up to 3 hours but, will be visible from each location for much shorter.
“A total solar eclipse occurs somewhere on the Earth, in general, about once every 18 months,” said Chester.
The next total eclipse over the U.S. will be visible on April 8, 2024.
There are many locations around the region to enjoy this event:
National Air and Space Museum
11 AM – 4PM
National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
11 AM – 4 PM
Observe the solar eclipse safely using the solar telescopes and viewers and enjoy eclipse-theme presentations and activities.
National Zoo’s Pachyderm Plaza
1 PM- 4 PM
Enjoy a solar eclipse viewing and free, safe eclipse glasses.
National Archives
1 PM – 4 PM
View the solar eclipse through safe solar telescopes and learn the history of past solar eclipses.
Fairfax County Old Town Square & Old Town Hall
1 PM – 4 PM
Funday Monday Eclipse Special: Enjoy family activities, crafts, music and more.
Observatory Park
100 DeSellum Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
1 PM- 4 PM
The Gaithersburg Community Museum and Rockville Science Center are hosting a Skywatching: Solar Eclipse Party.
Lovettsville Library
12 N Light St
Lovetsville, VA 20180
1 PM – 4 PM
NASA Solar System Ambassador Mary Beth Stoddard will explain the science of an eclipse at the Great American Eclipse Viewing Event Loudon County.
University of Maryland Physical Science Complex
1 PM – 3 PM
The UMD Astronomy Department and Observatory will hold a public observing session.
Montgomery College Planetarium
12:30 PM – 3 PM
The college will offer scientific explanation, and telescopes to view the ‘most awesome celestial event.’
The event will also be streamed online via NASA Live Stream.
Copyright 2017 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: U.S. Department of Interior)
