On Monday, August 21st, the sun was totally shadowed by a total solar eclipse. People who were within the range and path of totality were able to witness one of the most natural beautiful phenomenon which nature had to offer – a total solar eclipse.
This path of totality is the area in which the moon completely covered the sun and corona. According to NASA's website, the path was seen from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Many of us who were outside the path of totality witnessed a partial solar eclipse. Even better, people in South America, Africa, and Europe were able to see parts of the partial solar eclipse.
For all of those who have no clue about what a solar eclipse is, the information below may solve any questions. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while blocking the sun for an estimation of about three hours. Records dating from the 2017 eclipse identified the earth blocking the sun for a period of about two minutes and thirty seconds.
My own experience witnessing the partial total eclipse back in New York was very entertaining. However, it was quite difficult to witness the total solar eclipse due to location differences. On that particular infamous day, my family and I went on a little trip to the nearest real estate building to seal the deal with our new home.
At that point of time, we were totally shocked to remember that the total solar eclipse was heading our way in New York. We headed out and saw the event. We had to remind ourselves to not look at the sun directly. We figured that it would flash into our eyes and severely hurt them.
I still remember the time when the real estate agents headed out of the real estate building wearing glasses for safety reasons. This kind of filtering device allowed them to look at the sky indirectly without any harmful rays damaging their eyes. Within seconds, the glasses projected a clear image of the sun onto its screen.
Unfortunately, my family and I were not able to witness the particular total solar eclipse. It was still crazy to realize later on how those 3-D movie look-alike glasses helped others to witness the actual event.
As I end the discussion about the inspiring solar eclipse of 2017, I would like to say that this was one important event. I mean, the last solar eclipse took place in 1979, 38 years ago. Rare events actually do took place and people should definitely take note of them.
I highly stress that we remember the beauty of the total solar eclipse for years to come and this upcoming new year of 2018. We americans should be glad we witnessed the real deal.