Eclipse checklist: 5 things to take with you for the solar eclipse
This astronomy blog was written by AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Lada.
The much anticipated solar eclipse is almost here, so people traveling to the path of totality should make sure they have everything they need before hitting the road.
Some items, like eclipse glasses, may be hard to come by in areas that will experience a total solar eclipse, so extra planning ahead of time may turn out to be very beneficial.
Here is a list of items people should make sure they have before leaving for the eclipse:
1. Eclipse Glasses
As many people know by now, using specially made eclipse glasses are one of the only safe ways to directly view a solar eclipse.
It is too late to order a pair of these special glasses online, but some local retailers may have them on sale, including Walmart, Best Buy, Lowes, Toys “R” Us and 7-Eleven (I’ve seen display cases at Walmart stores not located in the path of totality, but they may be hidden near the photo center).
Stores that sell eclipse glasses in the path of totality will likely be sold out by the end of the weekend, so having a pair before traveling to the path of totality is essential.
2. Partial eclipse experiments
All of Canada, Mexico and the United States will experience a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 21, so anyone can try partial eclipse experiments right from their back yard.
The most widely known experiment is using a homemade pinhole viewer to indirectly view the eclipse. There are many variations to these, so try making a few different versions and test them all out during the eclipse.
Some items from around the kitchen can also create unique shadows filled with little crescent suns, such as a spaghetti colander or a slotted spoon.
3. Solar eclipse smartphone app
One of the most important parts of planning for an eclipse is knowing exactly when it begins and ends for your exact location.
There are several cell phone apps that can tell you down to the second when the eclipse will occur at your location based off of the GPS in your phone.
This lets you know when it is safe to remove your eclipse glasses, and when you know when to put them back on to prevent eye damage.
A star-tracking app may also be helpful, so you know exactly where to look to find different plants in the sky during the brief period of totality.
4. Food and drinks
To avoid getting caught in traffic, some people are planning to spend most the day at their viewing location, arriving early in the morning and remaining in place throughout the day.
Anyone planning on staying at their viewing location for a majority of the day should make sure to have food, drinks and a restroom available or within walking distance.
Portable cell phone chargers will also be useful, especially those that plan on posting their experience on social media throughout the event.
5. Thermometer
Solar eclipses can impact the weather in many ways due to the moon blocking out the light from the sun. One of the most noticeable difference in the weather will be the drop in temperature.
People in the path of totality will likely experience a 5- to 15-degree temperature drop, so having a thermometer on hand can tell you by how much the temperature has dropped at your viewing site.
Click on the banner above to visit AccuWeather's center for the Great American Eclipse.
