Reply to Closest place to DC to see total solar eclipse?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm not a science person, but can anyone tell me why this is that big of a deal? Even in DC it will be mostly a full eclipse.[/quote]

+1. Why has this been on someone's calendar since 1991?? Is it THAT big of a deal? Plus aren't you NOT supposed to look at a solar eclipse. I know everyone will say - oh I have protective eye wear - but do you really trust that the paper glasses you buy from Amazon for $5 are not going to be counterfeit?[/quote]

First of all, you can look at a total solar eclipse.  The bright sun is obscured, and all you can see is the solar corona...it is nearly dark as night.  When it is not total, it is not safe look at it.

I have solar binoculars and a telescope designed specifically for looking at the sun.

It is that big of a deal.  For me (1991 poster), it is a bucket list item.[/quote]

But it'll only be total for a few min right? So what are people doing for the fewer hours of partiality before/after the total -- just look at the ground the whole time to be safe -- or relying on Amazon paper glasses if they don't have solar binoculars etc.?[/quote]

You don't have to look at the ground. Presumably you get through most days without staring at the sun, right? The problem is that people could try to look at the sun during an eclipse thinking it is safe, since it is much darker because it is obscured, when it is not safer. If you don't have protective glasses, you just go about your business but don't try to experience the eclipse and stare at the sun.

I'm not going to experience because it is totally freaking me out. I am afraid I'd get the wrong glasses and go blind. I know it is irrational but there you have it. [/quote]

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