Around 3:07 p.m. today, expect cooler weather and more silvery light, as Statesboro experiences about 70% totality of the solar eclipse.

What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes the sun during its orbit around the Earth. This obscures light from the sun, preventing any sunlight reaching Earth.

Fifteen states, stretching from Texas to Maine are on the eclipses’ path of totality. Depending on the city, areas will experience a “nightlike darkness” for two to five minutes.

Statesboro is not on the direct path of totality, and there will still be about 30% of the sun visible, according to GS Planetarium & Astronomy Laboratory Coordinator Dillon Marcy.

“It’s the very rare time that the two paths intersect,” Marcy said. “Allowing us to see only a sliver of the sun.”

How can I safely watch the eclipse?
During the eclipse, it may be tempting to view without eye protection. It will look like a normal cloudy day outside, but staring directly into the sun can cause permanent damage to your eyesight.

To be able to see the moon obscuring the sun, you must wear certified solar eclipse shades.  If you wish to safely view the eclipse, the GS Planetarium will be handing out free glasses this morning at the Russell Union Rotunda.

“Don’t tempt it. If you don’t have eclipse shades just don’t look at the sun,” Marcy said.

DO use solar eclipse glasses
DO protect your phone the same way you protect your eyes
DON’T use sunglasses as a form of solar eclipse glasses
DON’T point your phone camera towards the eclipse

Georgia won’t see another solar eclipse until 2045, so be sure to grab your eclipse shades and take advantage of this experience.

Check out NASA’s safety recommendations for additional information.