August 2017

The Impending Eclipse

On Monday, August 21st, 2017, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, resulting in a total solar eclipse. You may have heard that this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and that’s true. Eclipses take place fairly regularly, but this will be the first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse visible across the United States in 99 years. The last time parts of the U.S. saw a total solar eclipse was in 1979.

The View from Rochester

Unfortunately, the United States is too big to give everyone an ideal view of this cosmic event. The total eclipse will be seen across a diagonal swath of the country from Oregon to South Carolina. Many people will travel south to view the eclipse from the path of totality, but if you’re stuck in Rochester, there will still be a spectacle to behold. From our position, we’ll see the moon cover 70% of the sun mid-eclipse. We can expect to start seeing exciting things shortly after 1 pm, with the eclipse reaching its maximum coverage at 2:35 pm. The eclipse will end at 3:52 pm.

Protect your Eyes

Whenever there’s a solar eclipse, there’s a lot of buzz about whether it’s safe to look at. According to the experts, even sneaking quick glances at near totality (which won’t even be visible from our location) can cause lasting eye damage. If you want to view the eclipse, even from Rochester, be sure to procure some legitimate solar viewers from a reputable, vetted brand.

Viewing Parties!

If you’d like to enjoy the eclipse in the company of physicists and astronomers, join the party at Rochester Museum & Science Center’s Strasenburgh Planetarium.

The Penfield Public Library will also host a free viewing party with free glasses and no registration required! Lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks are welcome.

There will be viewing parties at four different libraries on the University of Rochester’s River Campus from 1 to 3:30 pm.

If you want to witness the eclipse but won’t be able to leave your home or workplace, take advantage of NASA’s 4-hour live-stream.