5 things to do to get ready for the 2017 solar eclipse

The solar eclipse is coming! 

Believe me — and our local astronomy community — you do NOT want to miss this extraordinary celestial event where day literally turns to night as the moon completely blocks the sun for about  two minutes on Aug. 21.

This is the ultimate in "free" experiences.

And by all accounts a total solar eclipse is "awesome,"  in every sense of the word. 

First total eclipse in Nashville's history

While the entire United States will see a partial eclipse, here in Middle Tennessee, we are in luck. With 35 counties set to experience the eclipse in totality, Nashville is among the largest American city in the 70-mile wide path of the total eclipse.

In ancient days, the Chinese described the eclipse as "a dragon eating the sun." I love that image and can't wait to see this for myself! 

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And by the way, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, since the last time a total eclipse hit this area was in 1478, and  the next time one will take place here is 2566.

I admit to knowing precious little about astronomy and even less about eclipses.  But I wanted to know more so I quizzed two local experts on how best to get ready for the Eclipse  — Rocky Alvey, director of Vanderbilt University Dyer Observatory, and Theo Wellington, former president of the Barnard Seyfert Astronomical Society and currently a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador.

Here are five things for Middle Tennesseans to do now to get ready for the 2017 total solar eclipse: 

1. Decide where to be 

If you live in Nashville or surrounding areas and are in the path of totality, the experts say to stay at your house and watch from there. But Alvey says to be absolutely sure that your location is within the line of the total eclipse. "The saddest thing would be to expect to see it in totality and realize you are a mile off the line."

For example, in Gallatin, the eclipse should last the longest, at 2 minutes and 40 seconds, but on Concord Road in Brentwood, it is predicted to last just one second. And if you are south of Concord Road, you would likely miss out and only see a partial eclipse.

More:200 million people are within just one day's drive of the solar eclipse. What you need to know

If your house is not in the path, consider going to large parking lots in state or local parks lots in areas where it is sure to be in totality. NASA has a map to check your location.

2. Stock up on safety glasses to watch the eclipse

"Never, ever, look directly at the Sun with just your eyes," Wellington cautioned, explaining that from about noon until totality about 1:27 p.m. on Eclipse Day, you need eye protection from the special glasses to directly view the progression of the eclipse.  

"At totality, for the short time the sun is completely covered, you can safely look without the glasses, because during that short time, you are looking at the Moon," Wellington said. But when the first speck of light reappears, put the glasses back on.

Looking directly at the sun can cause severe damage - even burning and blindness - to your eyes. Sunglasses will not do the trick. In Nashville, the special eclipse glasses are sold at the Adventure Science Center for $2. Wellington says to make sure glasses meet the government's ISO standards. 

3. Don't bother with a telescope

Just enjoy the wonder of viewing the eclipse and don't worry about a telescope.

"There is nothing like it, it is almost a life changing experience," said Alvey, who also discouraged trying to capture the eclipse by taking pictures. "There will be millions of pictures of it that you can get," he said.

More:Weather balloon launched from Vanderbilt in preparation for August solar eclipse

Wellington agreed: "Just as no picture of the Grand Canyon you have ever seen didn't convey the size, the beauty, the sheer magnitude of the canyon, so too no image does the sight justice." She also noted that telescopes need special solar filters.  "Never point an unfiltered telescope or binoculars at the Sun." 

4. Do your homework

"Read up on what to expect," Wellington said. "For most of us, this is our first total solar eclipse. Many of us have seen partials ... which are cool, but nothing compared to totality."

There are lots of programs and several recommended websites offering  eclipse information:  https://dyer.vanderbilt.edu//dyer/solar-eclipse/, eclipse2017.org eclipse2017.nasa.gov, and greatamericaneclipse.com. 

5. Plan an eclipse party

"Plan a party around the eclipse," said Alvey, who said although the eclipse totality event itself is quickie  — a minute or two in most spots —  the partial eclipse leading up to it and winding down afterwards should go from about 11:50 a.m. to 2:54 p.m., which is plenty of time for a lunch party.

"Ask for the day off," Wellington said. "... This is not a geeky science event. This is a human event. You don't need to be a geologist to enjoy the beautiful western canyons and mountains. You do not need to be an astronomer to enjoy an eclipse. This is one of the great natural wonders, enjoy the view," she said.

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