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West Virginia Natural Wonders|Nature

The Rare Natural Phenomenon In West Virginia That Will Go Down In History

By Catherine Armstrong | Published July 24, 2017

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, you know that some places in the United States will experience a rare total solar eclipse this summer. West Virginia won’t go completely dark, but the eclipse will still cover 90% of the sun. It’s an event you definitely don’t want to miss.

The total solar eclipse takes place August 21st and will be visible in a 70-mile-wide path that sweeps across the United States. This is extremely rare. The last time we experienced a total solar eclipse was 1979. But, the path of the totality hasn't swept across the entire country since 1918!

A full solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun, leaving just the sun's corona visible. This photo, taken in Australia in 2012, shows what a full eclipse looks like - the skies are as black as night!

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This photo shows a 90 percent solar eclipse - similar to what we'll see in West Virginia. While it's not quite as impressive as a full eclipse, it's still pretty spectacular. The eclipse begins in West Virginia at 1:08 pm. It will be at 90% by 2:35 pm, and complete at 3:57 pm.

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If you plan on looking directly at the solar eclipse, make sure to get some eclipse glasses. Homemade filters or sunglasses are not safe, and your eyes can be seriously damaged without the proper protection.

What are your plans for the solar eclipse? Share them with us in the comments!

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