A total solar eclipse occurs when the disk of the moon appears to completely cover the disk of the sun in the sky. The fact that total solar eclipses occur at all is a quirk of cosmic geometry. The moon orbits an average of 239,000 miles (385,000 kilometers) from Earth — just the right distance to seem the same size in the sky as the much-larger sun. During totality, the area inside the moon's shadow is cloaked in twilight — a very strange feeling to experience in the middle of the day. Just before and just after totality, observers can see this cloak of darkness moving toward them across the landscape, and then moving away.
The so-called Great American Total Solar Eclipse will darken skies all the way from Oregon to South Carolina, along a stretch of land about 70 miles (113 kilometers) wide. The Houston area will be outside the path of totality, so skywatchers in our area will see only a partial solar eclipse (approximately 73% coverage), in which the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun's disk (In 2024, a total solar eclipse will darken the skies above Mexico and Texas, up through the Midwest and northeastern U.S.).
3 to five solar eclipses occur each year on average, but total solar eclipses happen just once every 18 months or so.
REMEMBER:Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Sunglasses cannot be used in place of solar viewing glasses.
There will be a viewing party at Challenger 7 Memorial Park to see this phenomenon. Since it spans the lunch hour please feel to bring a brown bag lunch and your choice of beverages. It's going to be hot so bring plenty of water. You might also want to bring a comfortable lawn chair
Where: Challenger 7 Memorial Park
When: 11:45a to 2:30p
I will have solar viewing glasses available!!! Please post a will attend if you want to be sure to have a pair of viewing glasses. I need to know how many to bring.