Awesome Places to Observe the 2017 Solar Eclipse
The big solar eclipse is just about here, and it’s time to get excited! The two-minute cosmic phenomenon occurs this Monday, Aug. 21, and will be visible throughout the continent. However, if you’re not in one of the viewing areas, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can still watch the entire event. While solar and lunar eclipses occur regularly, total solar eclipses are a pretty big deal because this Monday’s is the first one visible in the U.S. in almost 40 years.
Solar eclipses occur when the moon is in just the right spot to block all or part of the sun.
The 1979 total solar eclipse was only viewable in a handful of states. Since it occurred in the good ol’ days before cellphones and the World Wide Web, most people weren’t able to catch it. The last total solar eclipse that was widely visible in North America occurred in 1918, so now is likely the first time most people will have the opportunity to view one!
“The total eclipse will only be visible along the moon’s central shadow, which at its widest will be about 71.5 miles, according to some sources,” Time and Date stated.
“[The eclipse’s] path will span from the country’s West Coast to the East Coast. The rest of North America, as well as Central America and northern parts of South America, will experience a partial solar eclipse. NASA has estimated that a majority of the American population lives less than a two-day drive away from the path of totality.”
You can use Time and Date to see the cities with the best viewing opportunities, and determine exactly how much of the solar eclipse you’ll be able to see from your location. Great American Eclipse also names ideal locales to witness the total solar eclipse.
Need a pair of solar glasses to safely view the phenomenon?
And no, ordinary sunglasses do not count. Here’s why.
According to KWRG, Eighteen participating New Mexico and El Paso area libraries are handing out free solar eclipse viewing glasses in anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse. The eclipse viewing glasses are being distributed free at public libraries across the country. The participating libraries in New Mexico are listed here, and are as follows:
- Albuquerque Public Library System: Central & Unser; Cherry Hills; Erna Ferguson; Main; Taylor Ranch; and Westgate.
- Bloomfield Public Library
- Columbus Village Library
- Farmington Public Library
- Mother Whiteside Memorial Library, Grants
- Rio Abajo Community Library
- Rio Rancho Public Library
- Silver City Public Library
- Socorro Public Library
State Parks in New Mexico Observing the Event
Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center on 37 Main Street in Cerrillos, NM. Solar eclipse glasses meeting international safety standards will be available. A telescope outfitted with a special solar cone will be available, too. Solar cones safely filter and magnify the sun’s image to allow safe viewing and photo-taking.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque, NM. Interpretive Ranger Heather MacCurdy will be handing out eclipse glasses, have a solar telescope and provide some cool hands-on activities.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad, NM. Telescopes with special solar filters will be available to view through.
Hyde Memorial State Park near Santa Fe, NM, Manzano Mountains State Park near Mountainair, NM, Storrie Lake State Park near Las Vegas, NM, and Villanueva State Park near Villanueva, NM will have special telescope viewings, as well!
