Annular Eclipse: Places To View Outside Vegas
Since it doesn’t happen very often, but Nevada is getting ready this weekend for the “Annular” eclipse this weekend! As a kid, I just remember, this is one of those eclipses that we had to make that very special hand held telescope to look through so we wouldn’t go blind looking directly at it! You know, using cardboard and sticking a pin to make the hole in it?
Yes, it is that eclipse and according to a report from Channe8, there are a few precautions to take. Precautions to protect your eyes…in fact the report says this is the eclipse you do NOT look directly at without protective glasses. The report also states NOT to use binoculars or a conventional telescope.
This Weekend It’s Time For The Annular Eclipse!
The other thing is that if you’re thinking of getting out of town to get a better vantage point of the eclipse, you might already be too late. Channel 8 talked to Jim Fahey, from the Astronomical Society of Nevada, and he said, “…It’s very difficult to get a room in a motel and those trying to get on a campsite will be a hard thing to do.” In hopes of getting far away from the bright lights of the city, clearly others have already had this idea.
Think about heading up to Mt. Charleston, Jean, or up north just before getting to Mesquite all might be good spots. Fahey also made it clear that since the moon is a bit farther away from Earth, it won’t fully cover the Sun like a total solar eclipse.
If you’re thinking about staying in town, then we will only have a partial view of the event. But if you ever want to see one and it’s your first time, you best do it this weekend. The next time this will happen is not until the year 2046. Not sure how old you are, but we’re not getting any younger.
So get the protective wear, find you campsite or a spot on the edge of town and get ready.