Even the most casual of stargazers are excited for the upcoming astronomical event taking place on August 21st: for the first time in 38 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible in North America. The total eclipse can be seen along a band that stretches from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. This means Long Islanders will “only” be able to see a partial solar eclipse, meaning a portion of the sun, rather than the whole sun, will be obscured by the moon. Still an amazing sight! Check out this interactive map to see how those in other states will be able to view the eclipse.
NASA has created a website dedicated to the upcoming eclipse, complete with a countdown clock, safety information, and eclipse-related events. Right here at the LPL, local teens can make their own eclipse viewer. Weather permitting, the teens will even be able to go outside and use their new creations to view the eclipse. Registration for this fun program begins on Monday, August 7th through our Young Adult Department.
Before you bring out your telescopes and plan your eclipse parties, you might be interested in learning more about how this phenomenon works and brushing up on your general knowledge of space. The LPL has some stellar books on the topic, as well as current and back issues of Astronomy magazine. Here’s a sampling of what we have to offer, but you can always consult our catalog or speak with a librarian for more information and to check availability.
Arnold, Tedd
J 520 A
Branley, Franklyn
J 523.7 B
DK
J 520 S
Ford, Harry
J 520 F
Grady, Monica
J 523.2 G
Stefoff, Rebecca
J 525 S
Baron, David
523.7809 B
[New]
Eclipse!: The What, Where, When, Why, and How Guide to Watching Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Harrington, Philip S.
523.78 H
Moore, Patrick (Editor)
520.3 A
[Oversize, Library Use Only]
The Total Skywatcher’s Manual : 275+ Skills and Tricks for Exploring Stars, Planets & Beyond
Shore, Linda, et al.
523 S
Eclipse: The Celestial Phenomenon that Changed the Course of History
Steel, Duncan
523.78 S
The incredible beauty of space is captured in NASA’s Instagram account, @nasa, which I recommend you start following if you’re not already. (Of course, you should also be following @levittownpl, too). The images are astounding and inspiring; the perfect preamble for your own stargazing adventures!
Happy Reading,
Jess
