There Goes the Sun

Sunset over Sister Bay, WI 5/24/2016 dwm photo

 Tomorrow, millions of people have a chance to see the first total eclipse over North America since 2017.

 Since the next one won't occur over the United States until 2045, you might want to pay attention.

 It's a rare because the orbit of the earth around the sun and the moon's track around the earth don't line up frequently. 

 You can find better sources than me on the reasons why, but the moon's path varies slightly in how close is it to the earth and it's only during one phase of the moon when both are in the same part of the sky.

Along the Elroy Sparta trail. 10/18/14 dwm

I recall eclipses in the past but only vaguely. One time, we made our own viewer using a paper with a pin hole that you hold toward the sun with another sheet where you can see the eclipsing sun.

Not that I'd remember but I don't recall this much publicity for an eclipse. It could be that it's path across a highly populated area of the county makes it more newsworthy.

I'll be working during the eclipse but should have some time to check it out, assuming it's not a cloudy day. I'm taking my camera because the only celestial events in this blog over 10+ years have been lunar ones. 

Madison isn't in the direct path but we will start to see it at 12:50, it will peak at 2:05, and return to normal by 3:20.

People are excited it about it at Oakwood. Residents and employees already have eclipse glasses to use. I'm looking forward to hearing stories from residents about other solar events they remember.

If you're able to get a glimpse, do so safely, and enjoy the natural phenomenon.