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Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/853309
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2017 • NEBRASKAland 49 The narrow umbra is the darkest part of the moon's shadow during an eclipse. Viewers within the umbra will see the total eclipse, while people inside the lighter penumbra will view the partial eclipse. Solar eclipses are possible because the sun's diameter is about 400 times larger than the moon's, and the sun is also about 400 times farther away from the Earth than the moon. That is why the sun and moon appear about the same size. Penumbra SUN MOON EARTH Umbra What should you do if things are looking overcast or potentially cloudy? Until a couple of days beforehand, or maybe even the day of, you're not going to be able to get a good estimate. But I wouldn't worry until the day of. Just take advantage of the resources we have – forecasting, radar, cloud mapping, social media. Remember that the eclipse is going to happen whether you are ready or not. I would recommend getting settled at least half an hour before totality. Have you seen a total solar eclipse? I've never seen one; I've been looking forward to this one for 20 years. I can't describe to you how excited I am. Is it worth driving to get in the path of totality? Isn't seeing a partial eclipse just as cool? Partial eclipses are cool – if one happens, I will go check it out. But they don't have the drastic effect on the environment; their effect is much more subtle. If you have the chance to see a total solar eclipse, I would take it. ■ To view an interactive Google map of where the path of totality will fall across Nebraska, visit eclipse2017.org/ xavier_redirect.htm. To read information about viewing the eclipse at a particular town, city or community in Nebraska, visit eclipse2017.org/2017/states/NE.htm. During an eclipse, the only time you should be looking up without eye protection is when the sun is totally behind the moon. Otherwise, you'll need to use special-purpose solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses," or view the partial eclipse indirectly via pinhole projection. "Simply take a piece of cardboard, p ut a little pinhole in it, and the sunlight streaming through it will project a crescent-shaped image of the sun onto the ground," said Rebecca Harbison, a professor of practice of astronomy at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Approved eclipse glasses are available online from Rainbow Symphony (the brand available at eclipse 2017.org), American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17. The American Astronomical Society recommends inspecting your solar filter before use for any scratches or damage, following the directions printed on it, and supervising children's use of them. Also, you must have a solar filter for any camera, telescope or binoculars you are using. How will you know when it's time to put the eclipse glasses back on after taking them off during the total eclipse? "Use a timer," Harbison said. "You'll also notice that the west is starting to brighten up and the end of the shadow is approaching you, so out of the corner of your eye stay aware of that." ■ During an eclipse, the only Paper Optics, Thousand O How to View the Eclipse Safely Eclipse glasses will be available at select state parks and recreation areas.