While much of the country will be able to view a total eclipse of the sun that day — from Oregon to South Carolina — folks in New England will observe a partial eclipse.
Eclipses happen periodically across the world — about once every 18 months, according to space.com, but they are not always visible in North America.
According to NASA’s “Eclipse 101” website, only when the sun, moon, and Earth line up close to the “line of nodes” — the imaginary line that represents the intersection of the orbital planes of the moon and earth — can there be an eclipse.
Locally, a couple of libraries — Springvale Public Library and McArthur Library in Biddeford, are planning special viewing events on the afternoon of Aug. 21, while Kennebunk Free Library will show folks how they can make a solar eclipse viewer starting at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 17.
What will we see here? Astronomer Edward Gleason, who manages the Southworth Planetarium at the University of Southern Maine, said at maximum the obscuration — which measures the area of the sun blocked — will be will be 60.6 percent in York County.
The partial eclipse will start around 1:29 p.m., the maximum obscuration comes around 2:46 p.m. and the eclipse ends at 3:58 p.m., he said.
Gleason said because this is a partial eclipse, it is necessary to wear eye protection.
“It’s a big deal,” said Samantha Clendaniel of Springvale Public Library, where folks are invited by to observe the skies from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Clendaniel said there will be crafts for kids, snacks, and the library will streaming the eclipse through NASA in the event of clouds. The library has 150 pair of safety glasses to pass out that day and they’re hoping for a big crowd — and clear skies for perfect viewing.
“We’re doing it because everyone’s doing it across the country,” said Springvale Public Library Assistant Director Dawn Brown. “Its going to be a big to-do!”
At McArthur Public Library in Biddeford, folks are invited to drop in to observe from 2 to 3:30 p.m.. to take part in the eclipse program for all ages, said organizer Renee Desroberts. The event is rain or shine. If it is a clear day, the event, which include activities about the solar system will be held outside on the lawn, and there will be solar glasses available.
If cloud or rain prevails, the activities will be inside and they’ll be streaming NASA’s coverage of the eclipse.
The last total solar eclipse that touched the United States was in 1991, drawing observers to California and Hawaii. There were other eclipses, some partial, in 1979, in 1970 and 1963.
The next after this one is in 2024.
But if you don’t want to wait seven year, on Aug. 21 wear eclipse glasses, and don’t forget to look up.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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