They are calling it The 2017 Eclipse Across America. Astronomers, solar physicists and the sky-watching public in general all have Aug. 21, 2017, circled on their calendars. For the first time since 1918, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the United States casting the moon’s shadow over the summer afternoon.
The 70-mile wide shadow will travel an arc from Oregon to South Carolina, and everyone under its path will witness the total eclipse. The eclipse path is 734 miles Southwest of Lake George, but you can still be a witness to this cosmic event from the Queen of American Lakes.
Check your watch: Solar eclipse begins at 1:22 p.m. over Lake George
In Lake George, the moon will begin to eclipse the sun at 1:22 p.m. and the eclipse will peak at 2:41 p.m. At that time, the moon will block 64 percent of the sun. The entire event, for Lake George viewers, ends at 3:55 p.m., according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.
Protect your eyes or “Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun”
Looking directly into the sun, even when it is partially blocked by the moon, is not safe. NASA has published a page on its Eclipse 2017 website with instructions on how to safely view the eclipse. Be aware that there has been a flood of eclipse viewing devices on the market recently that don’t meet safety standards. NASA recommends purchasing eclipse glasses from one of these manufacturers:
You may be able to find a pair of these ISO-compliant eclipse glasses at Best Buy, Walmart, Lowe’s or Toys “R” Us. Expect to pay a couple bucks for a pair. You may find a free pair at your local library. NASA, in partnership with other organizations, distributed two million pairs of compliant eclipse viewing glasses to 6,900 libraries across the U.S.
Update August 21, 2017: Today is the big day. Eclipse glasses are sold out across the country, but Adirondack Pub & Brewery on Canada Street in Lake George says they have them for their patrons. The brewery is offering $4 draft pours on their deck between noon and 4 p.m. today. Happy solar eclipse viewing!
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