Posted in Delaware Natural Wonders, Nature July 26, 2017 by

The Rare Natural Phenomenon In Delaware That Will Go Down In History

Delawareans, get out your calendars and note that August 21, 2017 is a day that will go down in history! For the first time in since 1976, the United States will be able to see a total solar eclipse. That eclipse only reached a small portion of the country, so some areas of the United States haven’t seen a solar eclipse in much longer than that. Fort Morgan, Colorado and Lewellen, Nebraska are both areas that haven’t seen a total solar eclipse in over 1,000 years. While Fort Morgan isn’t in the path of totality for the 2017 eclipse, Lewellen is pretty close… talk about a history-making event!

A total solar eclipse has not been visible in Delaware since July 29, 1478* – way before Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. The last partial eclipse that had shown up to 80% coverage in Delaware was over 23 years ago… so this event is really, really special. In fact, you won’t see anything even close to this until April of 2024, and the next Total Solar Eclipse visible in Delaware will be on May 1, 2079.

A total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon during which the moon passes directly in front of the sun, blocking it out nearly entirely.
NASA
Click here for a high resolution map of the Eclipse path, from NASA.
Depending on where you are in Delaware, you'll be able to see between 70%-80% coverage.
NASA
You'll want to pick up Eclipse Glasses before the big day, because it's unsafe to view an eclipse without eye protection.
Flickr / NASA
Many libraries in Delaware are providing glasses for free. Call your local library and see if they are! If not, they can point you in the direction of the closest local resource.
The Frankford Public Library is hosting a 'viewing party.' Bring your lawn chairs and pick up glasses, and watch while you learn about the science behind an eclipse!
Facebook/Frankford Public Library
Register for the event on the Frankford Public Library website.

You’ll be able to spot the eclipse starting at 12:21 PM EST and it will be visible until 4:01 EST. The peak eclipse will be around 2:44 PM. If you know of any other Delaware Solar Eclipse viewing parties, please e-mail me at kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com, and I will keep this post updated until the once-in-a-lifetime event.

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