The big news this summer is the impending Total Solar Eclipse that will be visible in many states across the country on August 21st. South Dakota isn’t quite in the path to experience the total eclipse, but it will still be pretty breathtaking. Take a look!
This map from NASA shows the areas in the country that will experience a total eclipse.
NASA
Here’s a close-up of South Dakota. You can see that some portions of our state are fairly close to the path of totality, while others are much farther away.
NASA Towns like Pine Ridge, Ogala and Hot Springs, and Rapid City will experience a 96% eclipse. Not quite total…but pretty close. On the other hand, South Dakota towns in the far northeast, like Britton, Sisseton and Aberdeen are much farther away from the path, and will experience about an 80% partial eclipse.
When the moon blocks the sun completely, a total eclipse occurs. You can only see the sun’s corona peeking out from around the moon, and, even though it’s the middle of the day, the sky becomes as dark as night.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/flickr
South Dakota will begin to experience the eclipse at 11:27 AM in the western portion of the state, and 11:37 AM in the eastern portion. The eclipse will be at its midpoint (the darkest) between 12:49 PM and 1:01 PM, depending on your location. This photo shows a partial 90% eclipse, similar to what most of us in the Mount Rushmore State will see. It’s not pitch black, but it’s still quite impressive!
Chris Jones/Flickr
NASA urges people to never look directly at the sun during an eclipse - this can cause serious eye damage! Instead, pick up a pair of special “eclipse glasses” - regular sunglasses and homemade filters will not provide adequate protection.
vbloke/flickr For more information on how to safely view the eclipse, visit NASA’s website.
What are your plans for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2017? Tell us in the comments!
NASA
Towns like Pine Ridge, Ogala and Hot Springs, and Rapid City will experience a 96% eclipse. Not quite total…but pretty close. On the other hand, South Dakota towns in the far northeast, like Britton, Sisseton and Aberdeen are much farther away from the path, and will experience about an 80% partial eclipse.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/flickr
Chris Jones/Flickr
vbloke/flickr
For more information on how to safely view the eclipse, visit NASA’s website.
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