Article information from the U.S. Department of the Interior

Brownwood News – On Monday, August 21, 2017, millions of people across the U.S. will get to see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights — a total solar eclipse. In Brownwood, the public library will be hosting a Solar Eclipse Party, complete with free glasses while supplies last. The party will be held from noon to 2 p.m. The eclipse glasses have been made possible by a grant from STAR_NET.

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In the 76801 zip code area, residents will see a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse will peak at 1:05:32 pm CDT, when the moon obscures 68.9% of the sun. During the partial eclipse, the sun’s rays will cause eye damage and should only be viewed through a solar filter or special eclipse viewing glasses. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses (even very dark ones) are not enough to protect your eyes.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, blocking all or part of the sun. The last time the contiguous U.S. saw a total eclipse was in 1979, and the next total eclipse over the U.S. won’t be visible until April 8, 2024.

From beginning to end, the solar eclipse will last up to 3 hours, but the total eclipse (when the moon completely blocks the sun) will be visible from each location for much shorter. For those lucky people in the path of totality, which spans about 70 miles in width and crosses portions of 14 states from Oregon to North Carolina, they’ll get to watch as day turns into night when the moon blocks the sun for up to 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Everyone else will see a partial solar eclipse.

These tips will help you have a safe and memorable experience while viewing the eclipse:

• It is NEVER safe to look at the sun during the eclipse. Except during the very short period of totality do not look directly at the sun without approved solar-viewing devices.
• Be sure to get there early to beat the crowds and find a good parking spot. Only park in designated areas or lots. Please don’t park along the sides of roads or on private property. The total eclipse lasts only 1 minute-2 minutes and 41 seconds (depending upon your location).
• Don’t forget your eclipse glasses. You’ll be able to buy eclipse glasses at some public land visitor centers, but to ensure you have them for viewing, it’s best to purchase them before leaving home.
• Careful with the cameras. Just as the partial eclipse will damage your eyes, it will also damage your camera unless you place a special solar filter over the lens.
• Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter. Always supervise children using solar filters.
• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
• Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical device.

• Do you need a solar filter for your phone? According to NASA, solar filters must be attached to the front of any optics, including camera lenses. But that’s not the case for most GoPro and smartphone shots, because the shots will be wide-angle views. This is because the iPhone camera (and that of other similar smartphones) have a 28mm wide angle, whereas larger Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras have large zooms with high multiplification.

  Apple told USA Today the iPhone camera sensor and lens would not be damaged during the solar eclipse, just as they wouldn’t be damaged if you pointed the camera toward the sun at any other time. Eclipse selfie tips:

  1. Switch your flash from “Auto” to “On.”
  2. Turn on your front-facing camera so that you see youself on the screen.
  3. Move around so that you position the moon over your shoulder.
  4. Use your right hand to adjust the exposure to the moon and hold.
  5. Use your left hand to take the photo.
  6. Now, put your phone away and enjoy the moment, whether you got the photo you wanted or not.