You’ve probably been hearing quite a bit about the rare celestial event that’s going to take place across America this August. While we’ve had the opportunity to see some lunar eclipses in the last few years, a total solar eclipse has not been seen since June 8th, 1918. A total solar eclipse takes place when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun for a few minutes. This creates a rare chance for those on earth to see the white of the sun’s atmosphere, known as the corona, with the naked eye. Maine isn’t in the path of totality, but don’t despair! The end of this article will provide a bit of good news if you’re planning on being in the state in the year 2024.
The total eclipse will be seen within a 70-mile-wide distance across 4 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
nasa.gov For this to take place there must be absolute perfect alignment between the sun and the moon, making the moon appear to be the same size as the sun.
The event will ONLY be visible from the USA, causing it to become known as the “Great American Eclipse.”
nasahqphoto / Flickr Stores everywhere are already capitalizing on the event by selling maps of visibility and special glasses for viewing the event. It’s important that everyone viewing the eclipse, no matter where they are, have protective glasses to keep their eyes safe. Viewing the eclipse even for just a few minutes can create permanent damage.
Another cool fact? The last time a total solar eclipse was only visible in the USA was all the way back in 1257! Although, we weren’t actually the USA at that point.
The next time a total solar eclipse will only be visible in the USA is 2316.
Maine is not on the path of totality, which means the view won’t be quite as impressive as in other states, but about 50% of the sun will be blocked by the moon.
pavdw / Flickr This is still something rare, which means we’re just as excited as if we were along the path!
In Maine, the partial version of this eclipse will begin at varying times throughout the state.
dsevilla / Flickr At approximately 1:47pm, the moon will visually touch the sun’s edge.
In Portland, this will happen around 1:29pm.
asad7874 / Flickr
At 2:47, the moon will be the closest to the sun’s center and by 3:58pm, the event will be over.
ravenshoegroup / Flickr The more north you are in Maine during the eclipse, the smaller the percentage of the sun that will be blocked. So, we anticipate people appreciating Southern Maine just a little bit more than they normally do!
While we’re bummed that the total solar eclipse don’t be at its most impressive in Maine, we DO have that good news we promised…
kuboki / Flickr Maine WILL see the path of totality of a total solar eclipse! This will happen on April 8th, 2024 over Western Maine. This total solar eclipse will miss the southern coast, meaning Western Maine will likely see some heavy foot traffic. Better clear your camping space now!
For more information on what Maine can expect during the August 21st, 2017 total solar eclipse click here for a wonderful website from University of Southern Maine. For some information on how to most safely view a total social eclipse click here. And, for some cool information on all things total solar eclipse from NASA, click here!
nasa.gov
For this to take place there must be absolute perfect alignment between the sun and the moon, making the moon appear to be the same size as the sun.
nasahqphoto / Flickr
Stores everywhere are already capitalizing on the event by selling maps of visibility and special glasses for viewing the event. It’s important that everyone viewing the eclipse, no matter where they are, have protective glasses to keep their eyes safe. Viewing the eclipse even for just a few minutes can create permanent damage.
Another cool fact? The last time a total solar eclipse was only visible in the USA was all the way back in 1257! Although, we weren’t actually the USA at that point.
The next time a total solar eclipse will only be visible in the USA is 2316.
pavdw / Flickr
This is still something rare, which means we’re just as excited as if we were along the path!
dsevilla / Flickr
At approximately 1:47pm, the moon will visually touch the sun’s edge.
asad7874 / Flickr
ravenshoegroup / Flickr
The more north you are in Maine during the eclipse, the smaller the percentage of the sun that will be blocked. So, we anticipate people appreciating Southern Maine just a little bit more than they normally do!
kuboki / Flickr
Maine WILL see the path of totality of a total solar eclipse! This will happen on April 8th, 2024 over Western Maine. This total solar eclipse will miss the southern coast, meaning Western Maine will likely see some heavy foot traffic. Better clear your camping space now!
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