Monday’s total solar eclipse from Texas to Maine will be one for the history books and local residents are in its path.
This awe-inspiring event occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. Solar eclipses occur between two and five times a year, but a total solar eclipse occurs less frequently. Generally, total solar eclipses are visible every 400 years from any one place.
Wabash College Associate Professor of Physics Gaylon Ross is an expert on eclipse events and recently shared information with local radio manager Dave Peach. The full interview is available at www.visitmoco.com.
During the interview, Ross discussed the significance of the event that includes Mexico, the US and Canada, and how to safely observe the eclipse. The event begins around 1:50 p.m. and continues through 4:05 p.m. Totality in Crawfordsville is expected around 3:06 p.m.
Ross, who has taught astronomy for nearly 30 years, explained why this eclipse has historical significance.
“This event is quite rare,” Ross said. “The last totality solar eclipse was in 1806. We are lucky to get a time to witness this event.
“You have to be at the right location on Earth because the moon’s shadow is only about 100 miles wide and is traveling about 2,000 miles per hour. So, that shadow will pass our location in a narrow band and we are just fortunate enough to just barely be inside that band.”
Ross warns viewers to obtain glasses designed to watch eclipse events. The sun can damage eyes during the times before and after the totality eclipse occurs. When the sun is partially blocked out it can do the most damage to eyes. However, since the sun will be totally blocked out in Crawfordsville for 53 seconds, it is safe to take the glasses off, but the glasses need to be placed back on after the totality portion of the eclipse. Total eclipse should last approximately two minutes in southern Montgomery County, Ross added.
Ross said the world around us will change during the event. Wildlife will respond to the event in strange ways as they get confused.
“Birds will flock together as they hurry back to their nests because they think the sun is setting,” Ross said. “Bees will hurry to their hives, and if the distance it too far, they will just drop to the ground. Farm animals might get confused.”
Humans also will notice some changes. He said colors will change. Red shades will not be as prominent. He encourages viewers to wear bright colors to experience the change of how our eyes see colors. Temperatures also will drop.
“This event is really something to experience and we have been planning for it for years,” Ross said. “People need to follow the viewing rules and appreciate what we are experiencing.”
Locally, schools will have an e-learning day on Monday and Wabash College will only have morning classes.
There also will be a variety of eclipse events scheduled in the area. See the Bulletin Board on page 2A for a listing of area events.
