Eclipse: What to Do, What to Expect

Aug 17, 2017

(Click to download PDF)

The solar eclipse is nearly upon us. On Monday, August 21, libraries across Wyoming will celebrate this celestial event with patrons and visitors.

The Wyoming State Library has a handy, ready-to-print flyer on the eclipse for your use. You can also check out our Wyoming and the Solar Eclipse 2017 for handy links and a webinar recording.

We spotted these handy things to know on the Laramie County Library System blog in a post by Jennifer Rife, Design and Humanities Coordinator at LCLS. She has graciously allowed us to share them:

*Most* of What You Need To Know for the August 21 Wyoming Eclipse

Are you ready for the Great American Eclipse of 2017?

Here at the library we’ve been preparing for months, and we’re ready! Being a library, we are a source for finding accurate and reputable information. Our staff has fielded lots of questions about the eclipse, and we’re hoping to give you answers and sources to some of the most common inquiries. Here’s some information to get you started, plus links to reliable sources help you find more.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • As the moon blocks the sun, the temperature will drop! (Think of what happens when the sun goes down of an evening)
  • Shadow bands (fluctuations in light) may appear, and small eclipse images may show on the ground under tree leaves (the leaves function as a sort of pinhole viewer).
  • NASA has a wonderful page for learning all you want to know about what to expect!
  • Animals don’t tend to act that differently during partial eclipses like what we’ll see in Laramie County, but there are reports that under the path of totality when it gets really dark they want to go to bed. For example, farm animals may head toward the barn, thinking it is night.

SAFE VIEWING TIPS:

  • View the eclipse through ISO 12312-2 standard certified eclipse glasses, #14 welder’s glass, or ISO certified filters on binoculars or telescopes.
    • The ISO certification will be printed on the glasses.
    • Here are guidelines to ensure your glasses are safe, with information about reputable companies.
  • Under a partial eclipse (like the one to take place over Laramie County), there is no safe time to view the eclipse without eye protection.
  • Be sure to leave your glasses on until you turn your head away from the sun!
  • Tinted car windows, dark sunglasses, etc. ARE NOT SAFE for looking directly at the sun!

TO TAKE PHOTOS:

  • Use safe-viewing practices by not gazing at the eclipse through your camera without a filter so as to not damage your eyes.

MORE COOL STUFF ABOUT ECLIPSES:

 

If you have a question about this or any other article, please contact us at statelibrary@wyo.gov

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