Total Solar Eclipse Aug 21 2017

Monday, August 21st is fast approaching! This date is when a Total Solar Eclipse of the Sun will take place over North America. It's the first total solar eclipse visible from the United States since 1979. A Total Solar Eclipse of the Sun is a complete cover up of the sun by the moon during the Full Moon cycle.

There are many kinds of eclipses - total solar, partial solar, annular, and lunar, to name the most common few. A total solar eclipse- well, these are extremely rare and extremely beautiful.

Also this total solar eclipse center line or 'path of totality' will stretch across the United States from Lincoln, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Observers outside this path will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun's disk.

North Carolina and Greensboro residents can travel to Brevard or Maggie Valley near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park which is in the "path of totality" to view the total solar eclipse. Weather permitting of course.

View this list to find a city in North Carolina to watch the Eclipse.

No matter where you are, a few things will remain the same. The eclipse will start shortly after 9 a.m. before the moon blocks out the sun completely sometime between 10:15 a.m. and 10:20 a.m. Please note, you'll want to remember to track down a proper pair of eclipse glasses before you stare at the sun. The sun's rays are dangerous and can cause some serious damage to your eyes without proper protection. You'll want to find glasses that are labeled "ISO," including the ISO reference 12312-2, this means the glasses conform to the requirements for direct observation of the sun.  We recommend researching various online retailers and verifying the maker is on this list of reputable vendors.

Please mark your calendars and treat this rare natural phenomenon as a once in a lifetime event and let's hope the weather stays clear!