The Great Solar Eclipse Middle School The Great Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017

What’s a Solar Eclipse? On August 21, 2017, we will experience a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in the new moon phase and travels between the Earth and the Sun. As the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, the shadow blocks all or some of the sun’s light, causing the sky to be increasingly dark.

What’s the difference? Total Solar Eclipse Partial Solar Eclipse A total solar eclipse is experienced only by onlookers located in the middle of the moon’s shadow over the earth. The sun is completely hidden at totality, the moment when it is completely blocked by the moon. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are not precisely in line. Therefore, only part of the sun is blocked by the moon and a partial shadow is seen from Earth.

What’s So Special? For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will occur across the entire continental United States (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). There have been solar eclipses before, but this phenomenon will be observed as total or partial across the entire continental United States. Seventeen (17) of the 50 states will get to witness a total eclipse while other states, Florida included, will experience a partial eclipse.

Total Solar Eclipse Interactive Map

SAFETY First! EYESIGHT CAN BE DAMAGED. Reasons why you should NEVER look at the sky during the eclipse: Even looking directly at a small part of the eclipse is too dangerous, as the normal squint response will not occur and the eye will be exposed to dangerous amounts of UV light. The cornea will focus the light and actually scorch the retina. There is no pain involved with retinal damage. By the time the damage is done it is too late. For additional safety information visit: How to View the 2017 Solar Eclipse Safely

Pedestrian and Driver Tips When walking or driving, remember EYESIGHT CAN BE DAMAGED when looking directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse. AAA Tips for Drivers

Let us practice a safe solar watch! Middle School Suggested Activities ExploreLearning Gizmos: 3D Eclipse and Eclipse Discovery Education: Great American Eclipse Article: An Observer’s Guide to Viewing the Eclipse: All American Total Eclipse NSTA Pinhole Projection Activity NASA Classroom Activities Visit the M-DCPS Science website for more

LIVE STREAM NASA Exploratorium Montana State University Suggested LIVE Stream Links NASA Exploratorium Montana State University Tweet with us: #MDCPSEclipse2017