The first total solar eclipse to cross the continental United State since 1984 will be passing by our listening area in just over a week. On Monday, Aug. 21, the celestial event will be visible for several hours. The path of totality, where the sun is completely blocked by the moon, is about 120 miles south of Carroll, but Carroll County Naturalist, Matt Wetrich, says we will still get quite a show.
Earth usually sees two eclipses per year. This one is extra special because all the factors lined up for the moon to completely block the sun. Most eclipses are partial eclipses, like what we will see here, where part of the sun still shines through. Wetrich says that does not take away from the experiences and even animals take notice.
The region will see the peak eclipse at approximately 1:04 p.m. The moon will still be visible for hours before and after the event. As tempting as it is, Wetrich warns watchers to not stare at the sun.
Those glasses can be purchased from reputable vendors or you can sign up for the Carroll Public Library’s eclipse event. The first 20 people to register to watch at the library by calling 792-3432 will get a pair of viewing glasses. They will host a short instructional seminar about safety at 11:15 a.m. and go outside to watch the eclipse at 11:30 a.m. Participants without glasses will be shown how to create a pinhole viewing card to experience the eclipse.
