Posted in Massachusetts July 21, 2017 by

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

For the first time in almost a century, a total solar eclipse will soon make its way across the entire United States and momentarily block out the sun. This unique phenomenon will happen in the middle of the day and may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some. The best part of this event only lasts a few minutes (though the actual eclipse will occur over the course of a few hours) so read on to learn more about how to witness it for yourself.

The Great American Eclipse will appear from Portland, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina on August 21.
NASA.gov
A total solar eclipse hasn’t spanned the entire United States in 99 years. The last such event was June 8, 1918. During this summer's eclipse, a portion of the sun will seem to shrink over the course of three hours. However, maximum coverage lasts about two minutes.
Though Massachusetts is not in the direct path, we will still experience an amazing partial eclipse.
Flickr/J. Lippold
A solar eclipse is caused when the moos passes in front of the Earth and blocks the sun from view. Rather than the moon completely blocking the sun from view, we here in Massachusetts will witness an eclipse that obscures between 64 percent and 66 percent of the sun.
Keep your eyes to the sky on August 21 at 2:46 p.m. to see more than half the sun suddenly disappear.
Flickr/Stephen Fyfe
It’s vital that you’re prepared for this event, as gazing at the eclipse (a.k.a the sun) for more than a moment without eye protection can cause vision damage. Wear eye protection while viewing the eclipse.
The next total solar eclipse won’t happen in the United States until 2024, so don’t miss your chance to check out this unique astronomical phenomenon for yourself this summer.
Flickr/Justin Jenson
If you’re a diehard eclipse junkie and want to witness the moon completely blocking the sun or "totality," head to the eclipse’s path in the southern states.

To learn more about this amazing natural event, be sure to visit the official website for the Great American Eclipse here.