Kentucky and other parts of the country have been abuzz recently as anticipation for the total solar eclipse Aug. 21 is on the rise. Locally, viewers will experience a partial eclipse, with about 97 percent of the sun covered.

The biggest Ive ever seen in my lifetime in this area was 65 percent, and that was 77 years ago, said Don Spain, a part-time astronomy consultant and volunteer with Bernheim Forest.

Spain said the last time an eclipse of this magnitude was visible across the United States was in the early 1900s. In 1979, a total solar eclipse was visible within the lower 48 states. Now, with more advanced technology, the event labeled then as unusual has been tagged as historic in 2017.

This is a solar eclipse, where we have the sun, the earth and the moon, Spain said. The moon is actually moving in front of the sun. This happens at least twice every year at some place on the earth, but there can be more, he said.

Spain said Kentucky would have another chance to view a total solar eclipse in 2024.

Viewing and safety

With the eclipse visible at different degrees across the United States, the event has been nicknamed by many as the Great American Total Solar Eclipse. Visibility of the eclipse will be partial in many areas, such as Nelson County and Louisville, but some places are within the path of totality for the eclipse and will experience a total darkness for a brief time.

Hopkinsville lies within that path.

They are expecting about 200,000 people now, said Ken Alderson, president of the Louisville Astronomical Society, who spoke about the eclipse at the library Monday night.

Because of the crowds, Alderson suggests researching alternative locations to view, such as downtown Bowling Green or Madisonville, which will also see brief total coverage.

Spain said he would be viewing the event from an airport in Russellville, where the University of Kentucky would be launching helium balloons to take sensor readings and photographs.

But whether someone chooses to view the eclipse from home or travel to another town, taking the appropriate safety measures for viewing is crucial.

During a total solar eclipse in which the sun is completely covered by the moon, it is safe to view the eclipse without eye protection. But since the visibility in this area and many others will be a partial eclipse, it is a must that ISO certified eye protection be worn to prevent injury and that does not mean sunglasses.

As it gets dark, you have a biological response in your eyeballs to make your pupils dilate, which lets more light in, Alderson said. All that ultraviolet light goes into your eye and you get a sunburn on your retina.

Approved viewing glasses made of the correct UV light blocking materials are being used by many schools and at some public events. For those who have yet to obtain a pair, there are other options for viewing the eclipse without exposing the naked eye.

Welders Glass No. 14 can be used to block harmful light and allow for the user to view the eclipse, Alderson said, but it must be No. 14. Other approved solar filters and devices are another option, but many places have sold out.

Homemade devices can also be used to indirectly view the eclipse, such as pinhole projector made from a small box, paper and foil. The craft is useful, Alderson said, because it allows the user to view the partial eclipse while facing away from the sun.

Alderson warned against using any sort of magnifying device, such as eyeglasses, binoculars or unfiltered camera lenses, as it could concentrate the harsh light into the eye and increase risk of damage. That includes using those devices with approved eyewear.

Staying safe during the eclipse is something Alderson stressed, but he also encouraged viewers who might be worried about capturing photos and using expensive equipment to just step back and enjoy the moment before it passes.

Locally, the partial solar eclipse will be visible between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with maximum coverage of the sun at about 2:28. PLG TV-13 plans to cover the eclipse live.

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