A partial eclipse

On Monday, a total eclipse of the sun will darken parts of the country. The “path of totality” will be just south of us. It will cross onto the continent north of Newport, Ore., and will continue across the country to South Carolina with a 70-mile wide swath. The “path of totality” will pass over 14 states.

In Whitman County, we will see a partial eclipse. The eclipse here will be more than 90 percent of a total eclipse.

Interest in the event is high. Some airline flight plans have been changed to give passengers a glimpse. A special Amtrak train will provide viewing, and people from all over the world will be joining locals to see it as it passes east. Tours and special viewing sites are booked.

The mechanism of an eclipse is simple: The moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking out the sun and casting a shadow. As the darkness increases, birds and animals become silent. For those in total eclipse, experts have a list of special phenomena for which to look.

Eclipses are big events for those in the path. Excitement is high, even in areas such as ours where the eclipse is not quite a total one.

Still, some precautions need to be heeded. Spectators should not view the sun directly. That can cause serious eye damage. Special dark glasses are a must. It is especially important to wear them in partial eclipse conditions. Also recommended is special care while driving. During the event, it is feared that drivers will stop in roadways or on narrow road shoulders to catch a glimpse of the blocked out sun. With all the cameras and cell phones this may be the most photographed eclipse in history. Many cameras need special protection such as lens filters.

Eclipses are natural events. There is no need for animal sacrifices or incantations to bring the sun back. The totality of the eclipse will only last a few minutes, as the moon gradually obscures the sun and then just as gradually reveals it.

Fear not, the sun will return . . . at least it always has.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher