August 21 Solar Eclipse

Surely you’ve heard about it by now, even if you’re not an astronomer. Northern Colorado is not quite in the path of the full eclipse. Fort Collins will see a magnitude of .96 at 11:46am on August 21. Which is to say, the sun will be 96% covered by the moon. The eclipse begins that day at 10:23am, and ends at 1:13pm. For more information, see https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/

To see the eclipse in totality, you’ll have to travel about 200 miles north into Wyoming, or north east into Nebraska. Traffic volume to areas of totality is expected to increase dramatically, and finding places to stay overnight is expected to be difficult, if not impossible. Plan in advance if you want to travel.

Internet and local retailers are selling inexpensive eclipse glasses. Get a few pairs for your friends and family. Don’t use welding masks or goggles. Unless they are shade 14, they are not dark enough, according to NASA.

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