For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will occur across the entire continental United States.
On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. “Anyone within the path of totality can see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights – a total solar eclipse. This path, where the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun’s tenuous atmosphere – the corona – can be seen, will stretch from Lincoln Beach, 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”, according to NASA.
The total eclipse starts near Lincoln City, Oregon, at 10:15 a.m. (12:15 p.m. Central time) and ends at 2:48 p.m. (1:48 Central Time) near Charleston, South Carolina, according to NASA, taking just over an hour and a half to cross the country. The partial eclipse will last about 2-3 hours and the total eclipse just over two minutes.
Branch libraries of the Jackson-George Regional Library System will host several events to celebrate the rare occurrence. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses that will be provided free of charge to those attending library events.
Scheduled programs are as follows:
- Ocean Springs Municipal Library- Family Event, Saturday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m.
- St. Martin Public Library- Monday, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m.
- Vancleave Public Library- Monday, Aug. 21, at 12 noon.
For more information about library events, visit the library website at www.jgrls.org or find posts on Facebook @JacksonGeorgeLibraries. For more information on eclipse activities, observing assets, and viewing safety, visit httpss://eclipse2017.nasa.gov.
