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Precautions To Be Taken While Viewing The Eclipse Inside The Path Of Totality

Everyone is readying themselves for the biggest event of the year which is the solar eclipse occurring on August 21, 2017. This will be observable as a total eclipse in different parts of America. When a total eclipse takes place the space enclosed within the moon’s shadow will become dark resembling the twilight hour. This abrupt change results in a strange feeling especially when one is standing in darkness during the daytime. A dark cloak appears to engulf the surrounding area almost like a living thing moving over the land moments before the total eclipse happens and after the total eclipse is the same cloak like shadow slithers away.

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Equipment required for viewing a solar eclipse

Since most individuals are planning to view this phenomenal event caused by a particular alignment of celestial bodies, the vital object that one need to purchase is a pair of glasses which are specially made for viewing solar eclipses. It is a known fact that viewing the sun directly can harm the eyes severely and can cause temporary or even permanent blindness if one continues to look at the sun with the naked eye.

The protective covering of solar eclipse viewing glasses ensures that no harm is caused to the delicate human eye while observing the entire eclipse. However one should never use normal sunglasses for viewing a solar eclipse as it won’t protect the eyes.

Even while purchasing protective glasses one should purchase these from a reputed seller or a well-known brand because sometimes poor quality glasses made from inappropriate materials like plastic are sold. These glasses might be cheaper but they offer no protection and instead causes more harm. Therefore it is advisable to procure a pair of quality glasses for enjoying the enchanting view that will occur during the solar eclipse.

Time and duration of the eclipse

Both time and duration are going to depend upon the individual observer’s position with respect to the path of totality. It has been estimated that the moon will overshadow the sun for about two minutes and forty seconds. This is roughly the duration of the total eclipse for anyone who is situated within the central zone of the path of totality. For observers who will witness the event away from the center the period of totality will be reduced. It can last only for a few moments for those who perceive the eclipse from the outer rim of the path.

Hence, to view the outbursts of bright light in the form of colorful sparks which comes out of the corona for a longer period of time one should find a spot in the middle of the zone of total eclipse. Since such eclipses do not occur frequently it is a cherished opportunity to observe a speck of the magnificence occurring in the outer space.

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