Stick with the pinhole viewers if you don't want to look towards the sun at all.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

+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?

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.

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.?

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.

I'm comfortable with the products B&H sells. I tested out the glasses after I received them and lived to tell the tale.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/solar-observing/ci/33818/N/3583558376/sba

You tested them how - we haven't had an eclipse since you purchased the items, presumably? Like the PP -- I'm too freaked out to look at this thing.

Looked at the sun. It wasn't covered by the moon at all.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

+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?

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.

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.?

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.

I'm comfortable with the products B&H sells. I tested out the glasses after I received them and lived to tell the tale.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/solar-observing/ci/33818/N/3583558376/sba

You tested them how - we haven't had an eclipse since you purchased the items, presumably? Like the PP -- I'm too freaked out to look at this thing.

You can look to see how much darkening they do. You can just use them to look a the sun. a second of sunlight will hot harm your eyes; it is the staring for an extended period which caries the risk. I have two pairs, solar binoculars, and a solar telescope.

I will bring my camera with a 300 mm lens for totality.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

+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?

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.

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.?

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.

I'm comfortable with the products B&H sells. I tested out the glasses after I received them and lived to tell the tale.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/solar-observing/ci/33818/N/3583558376/sba

You tested them how - we haven't had an eclipse since you purchased the items, presumably? Like the PP -- I'm too freaked out to look at this thing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

+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?

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.

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.?

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.

I'm comfortable with the products B&H sells. I tested out the glasses after I received them and lived to tell the tale.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/solar-observing/ci/33818/N/3583558376/sba

or make a pinhole viewer:
http://hilaroad.com/camp/projects/eclipse_viewer/eclipse_viewer.html

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

+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?

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.

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.?

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.

I'm comfortable with the products B&H sells. I tested out the glasses after I received them and lived to tell the tale.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/solar-observing/ci/33818/N/3583558376/sba

Anonymous wrote:What is the closest place e to DC to see the eclipse? I'm looking to drive down to see it in a day, Spend one night in a hotel and drive back the following day.

We booked in Knoxville. Our DC hasn't been to Tennessee so we thought we would go that route. Planning on a long trip,home as I expect 95 and 81 to be packed with eclipse viewers heading home.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

+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?

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.

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.?

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.

The lack of science education and just general wonder at these amazing and fairly rare occurrences just makes me so sad

Anonymous wrote:When is the eclipse? What date?

Monday August 21st.

When is the eclipse? What date?

I have relatives flying from ME and NY to SC for the eclipse. Both groups booked their hotels for the event in December & January. A third group of family members tried to book something in April and couldn't find any openings. I think they ended up booking something in NC.

From what I heard on the news, everyone is flocking to SC because pretty much the entire state will see the total eclipse whereas only certain parts of the other states will see it.

My teen wants to drive down that day with a group of her friends. I've told her how horrible traffic will be, but she's persistent. I haven't said yes or no yet.

I'm heading to Kentucky. Got some eclipse glasses from Walmart and I hope it's not cloudy where I am.

The difference between a partial eclipse and a total eclipse is like being almost dead and being dead.

Forgot the link!

https://live.washingtonpost.com/qa-eclipse-coverage-live-20170801.html#4792793

Here is the Washington Post Q&A on the eclipse. And yes, the $10 glasses you get from Amazon are enough to protect your eyes as long as they carry the correct certification (see linked Q&A)

And the for 1991 Bucket List person - Congratulations! I know several people traveling everywhere from Wyoming to Nebraska to South Carolina it's something they have always wanted to do.

And for those of you who can't get excited about this I hope that there are other things in this world that excite you intellectually.