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On Monday, between one million and four million people are expected to travel into the “path of totality” for the first-hand experience of a total solar eclipse. For those making the trek, whether they’re trained eclipse professionals or first timers, it pays to have the knowledge of a NASA scientist on your side. Dr. Michael Kirk does his research in the Heliophysics Science Division of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. These are his tips to get the most out of what he calls a “visceral experience.”
- Get your hands on some approved eclipse protective glasses…and use them
- It’s not just about knowing when to put those glasses on, but when you can take them off…and that point is when the sun disappears and you can’t see anything at all through the lenses.
- As soon as the sun starts to re-appear, look away immediately…and put those glasses back on
- Due to anticipated cloud cover, Kirk says the best shot at seeing it all is close to the U.S.-Mexico border
- You’ll want to “be mobile” if you’re going to seek out places with fewer clouds, so be ready to move if it’s that important to you
- Don’t worry about taking photos of the eclipse. Kirk says that it doesn’t matter how good of a photographer you think you are, “you’ll be disappointed the first time you do it.” If you insist on taking pics, take them of your friends and family…but keep the flash off so you’re not ruining the experience for anyone else
- It’s a “serious celestial event,” but you don’t have to take it “seriously.” Have fun, make a party out of it, and enjoy the moment
- The NASA website has tons of information and resources to help prepare for the experience and educate you
Read the article at Thrillist