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Don’t miss an incredible sight you’ll remember for the rest of your life! On Aug. 21, 2017 the best Total Eclipse of the Sun in 40 years will cross the U.S. Every state will have at least 75 percent of the sun covered by the moon, and lucky people in a 70-mile-wide strip from Oregon to South Carolina will see an amazing TOTAL eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth.
According to Dr. Doug Duncan, Colorado University Astronomer and Fiske Planetarium Director, A partial eclipse is interesting to watch. If you protect your eyes you can see the moon take a big bite out of the sun. The total eclipse is much, much more spectacular. It looks like the end of the world, with loops of hot gas – prominences – leaping off the edge of the sun, and big silver streamers of the sun’s corona stretching across the sky. It gets dark and cold – there’s a black hole in the sky where the sun should be. People cry, scream, shout, and celebrate. Animals do strange things. If you can travel to where the eclipse is total – do it!
In New Castle, the eclipse will begin about 1:10 p.m. and end around 4 p.m. with the maximum darkness about 2:30 p.m. on Monday, August 21. In New Castle, we will have almost 90 percent coverage as the moon comes between the sun and us.
You should never look at the sun, even a partially eclipsed sun, with your uncovered eyes. Looking at the sun even for a brief moment can cause permanent damage and even blindness. However, you can get special dark eyewear that will let you see this amazing event. An anonymous donor is giving these “eclipse glasses” to the children, teachers, and staff at Craig County Schools.
- This will be the first American eclipse to occur since February 26, 1979. Unfortunately, not many people saw it because it only touched five states in the Northwest and the weather for the most part was not great. Before that one, you have to go back to March 7, 1970.
- Everyone in the continental U.S. will see at least a partial eclipse. Astronomy specialists are claiming that this eclipse will be the most-viewed ever! It’s estimated that close to 100 MILLION people in the United States will see the sun covered by at least 90 percent. That is absolutely mind blowing!
- To view it, all you will need are Eclipse Glasses- no telescope needed! Nature can be so cool! Depending on your surroundings, (as totality nears) you will experience strange things. Look around. You’ll notice a resemblance to the onset of night, though not exactly. Areas much lighter than the sky near the Sun lie all around the horizon. Shadows look different. Listen. Usually, any breeze will dissipate and birds (many of whom will come in to roost) will stop chirping. It is quiet. Feel. A 10°–15° F drop in temperature is not unusual. Can’t wait!
Now the real question, where will you be on August 21, 2017?
For more information: http://www.colorado.edu/fiske/eclipse or https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/
Library news
A Barn Quilt has been generously donated as a raffle item for Fall Festival. Get your tickets at the library!
Thank you to everyone who has become a Friend of the Library and to all our library volunteers!
Newsletter: If you wish to get the monthly newsletter, just send your request to craiglibrary@swva.net (New Email address)
August 26, New Castle “Cruise In”, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., library book sale in the book barns.
September 1 rescheduled Night Sky Stargazing program, with Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society- wishing for clear skies this time! 8 p.m. Craig Valley Baptist Church pavilion.
Next Board of Trustees meeting: September 11, 2017, 6 p.m. at the library.
Wanted: a desk volunteer for Wednesdays. Inquire at the library to take advantage of this opportunity to give back to your community. Benefits: social opportunity, helping children, learning new computer skills, air conditioning and plenty of free reading!
