In just a few weeks, Alabama will experience a rare natural phenomenon---a solar eclipse that's expected to extend across the United States from coast to coast, which hasn't happened since 1918. Read below to find out why this natural phenomenon, best known as the Great American Eclipse, shouldn't be missed.
On August 21, 2017, the Great American Eclipse will stretch across the country from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina.
The states within the shadowed path will experience a total solar eclipse, whereas other states, including Alabama, will experience a partial solar eclipse.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun. You're only able to view the sun's corona, which can be seen peeking out from around the moon.
The following states will experience a total solar eclipse: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
During a partial solar eclipse, the moon only blocks part of the sun, thus creating a crescent-like shape.
To see exactly what time you'll get to experience this partial solar eclipse, simply visit this website and enter your zip code.
In Alabama, two of the cities that are expected to experience a high percentage of sun coverage are Birmingham and Huntsville.
The eclipse is expected to pass over both cities from approximately 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The sun in Birmingham will have 93% coverage, whereas Huntsville's sun coverage will be 97%.
If you're planning to view the eclipse, it's recommended that you wear "eclipse glasses" for proper eye protection. Staring directly at the sun can cause serious eye damage, and possibly blindness.
You can order a pair of eclipse glasses by simply following this link.
Do you have any special viewing plans for the Great American Eclipse? If so, share them with us!
For more information about the Great American Eclipse, be sure to check out this website.
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