The Great North American Eclipse

The eclipse on August 21, 2017, will be a total solar eclipse. This means the moon will completely cover the disc of the sun.  If you’re in the center of the moon’s shadow, known as the totality, the sky will go dark for a few minutes in the middle of the day and you will be able to see the stars.... amazing!

This is the first time in 99 years a total solar eclipse will sweep from one coast to the other in America.

On average, a total solar eclipse is visible from a specific location on earth only every 360 years, so chances are, if you want to see one, you need to travel a little.

People who are able to be on this "path of totality" for the big event are in for an unforgettable experience. While you'll be able to see a partial eclipse from anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Mexico (weather permitting), the path where you will see the total eclipse is called the "path of totality." This path is only about 68 miles wide—a diagonal path from Oregon to South Carolina. 

Check out this link to find the best times to see the eclipse in your area. Space.com allows you to put in your exact location and it give you the exact time to view the eclipse right where you are.

REMEMBER: Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection.

You will need to have the proper glasses to watch safely. These special glasses can be purchased from Amazon here.

 Along with this once in a lifetime experience that you will be able to enjoy with your children, here are a few ideas for your family to continue the learning fun.

Exploring Creation With Astronomy- Rent or purchase here at Yellow House Book Rental

Solar Eclipse Video Art Lessons - a mini video course of 3 art lessons

Star Gazing Scavenger Hunt

A Day with Two Dawn from Apologia, free eclipse eBook

15-Minute Music Lesson Inspired by Outerspace 

Free Solar Eclipse Mini Book

A HUGE list of eclipse resources

We are planning a family, grandparents included, Eclipse Party so we can enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity together.  I'm so glad we homeschool, otherwise, we would all be gone our sperate ways.

Are you planning anything special for this event? Comment below and share your ideas. We would love to hear about them and don't' forget your special glasses

Enjoying the journey,

~Michelle~

Michelle Osborn the founder and owner Yellow House Book Rental, a service to homeschool families. She is a 20-year homeschool veteran of four, two married, one in college, and one teenager at home. 

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