SUMMERS COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – Summers County and the entire state of West Virginia are in the projected path to experience near totality of the April 8 solar eclipse. Julie Williams-Byrd, a physicist at the NASA Langley Research Center, recently discussed solar eclipses and the best ways for those in Greenbrier County and beyond to experience the phenomenon.
Williams-Byrd said her favorite way to describe a solar eclipse is to imagine the “Earth and sun are taking a picture and the moon comes in and photobombs, [it] gets right in front of the sun and all you can see is the outline of the sun.”
The last time West Virginia was in the path of a solar eclipse was in 2017. After this one, the Mountain State will experience its next solar eclipse 20 years from now, in 2044.
Looking at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause damage to the eyes. Williams-Byrn said, “Safety, for NASA, especially NASA Langley Research Center is always our most important thing that we want to think about.” To safely look at the eclipse, people need special glasses designed to protect the eyes during an eclipse. Williams-Bryd noted that anyone without the proper eyewear should not look to the sky during the eclipse. Williams-Bryd also noted that she does not recommend viewing the eclipse through puddles or other standing water.
Social media has been abuzz with tips and advice for viewing the eclipse. Among the popular social media posts was a blurb about keeping pets indoors so they do not look at the sky. According to Williams-Byrd, pets do not typically look up at the sun. She did state, however, “As we’re having watch parties and things of that nature, just kind of look out for your pets to make sure they’re not getting too anxious with all of the people around.”
Williams-Byrd stated that there are ways to experience the eclipse even if you do not have the recommended eyewear. She said, “Think about other ways. Is the wind blowing? Do you smell something? Close your eyes, do you hear birds chirping? There are other ways that we can use our sensors to experience this wonderful opportunity for a solar eclipse.”
In Williams-Byrd’s opinion, the most important thing people need to know about the eclipse is, “The eclipse is a very unique situation because it takes a while for the solar eclipse to occur across our country…it’s a rare opportunity.” She went on to say, “I would say, everyone from the youngest to the oldest take up this chance to experience it. Be with a family member and be with a friend and experience this total solar eclipse.”
The timeframe for the eclipse in Lewisburg West Virginia is 1:57 p.m. through 4:28 p.m. with the peak max coverage being at 3:14 p.m. according to Williams-Bryd. She said, “We are very, very, very accurate here at NASA Langley Research Center.”
Williams-Bryd said NASA Langley Research Center encourages West Virginians to be citizen scientists. She said, “We can observe, we can write down, we can journal, and I think this is a great opportunity for families to be together and just experience this wonderful solar eclipse.”
In a final statement about the solar eclipse, Williams-Byrd said, “Just have a lot of fun.”
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on The West Virginia Daily News
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