Total Solar Eclipse 2017

Next week, on Monday August 21, a total solar eclipse will occur. The eclipse, where the moon will completely cover the sun, will be the first visible eclipse from the continental United States in 38 years. When the eclipse occurs, the sky will darken during the middle of the day. The eclipse, whether solar or lunar, is the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. There are four types of eclipses:  total, partial, annular and hybrid.

The exact time and duration of the total solar eclipse will depend on where you are inside the path of totality. At the eclipse peak, the moon will completely cover the disk of the sun for as long as 2 minutes and 40 seconds, or as short as just a few seconds (see image below). That is how long totality will last for observers positioned anywhere along the center of the path of totality. As you move toward the edge of the path, the duration of totality (where the moon blocks the sun) will decrease.

Sadly for Hoosiers, a total solar eclipse cannot be viewed in the state. Indiana will only be able to view a partial solar eclipse. Illinois and Kentucky are the nearest states where one can view the total solar eclipse. Remember to follow best safety practices when viewing the eclipse. Additionally, teachers and parents can find Projects Related to Eclipse for fun activities relating to the eclipse.