The Daily Bulletin

In last week’s Totality Tuesday, we talked about planning for the Great North American Eclipse on April 8. This week we will answer some common questions about eclipses.

It is understandable that there are a lot of questions about eclipses. Many topics have been addressed in previous weeks, but this week the focus is on three questions you might be wondering yourself!

Question: If it is a total eclipse and the Moon totally blocks the Sun, why do I need to wear eclipse glasses?

Answer: Totality, when the Sun is totally covered by the Moon, is the only time it is safe to look toward the Sun without eclipse glasses. Totality here in Buffalo will last only about three minutes and 45 seconds. For over an hour before and after totality, we will be experiencing the partial phases of the eclipse. During those phases, eclipse glasses are needed when looking at the Sun.

Question: Do I need to worry about my dog looking at the Sun during the eclipse?

Answer: There is no reason to keep your pets indoors or to worry about them looking at the Sun during an eclipse. They will notice it getting darker, but they won’t know what is going on, so they won’t be looking up at the eclipse. If you have pets or other animals, try to notice how they act during the eclipse. Is it how they act when it is getting dark at night, or are they acting differently?

Question: Why did they schedule it on a Monday?

Answer: This might seem like a silly question once you know the answer, but I have been asked this several times, both before the 2017 eclipse and in the last few months. I’m not sure who the “they” would be, but eclipses are caused by the natural motions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. They are not scheduled by us. In a sense, we are just along for the ride, and fortunately, on April 8, that means we will be right in the center of the Moon’s shadow as it passes over Western New York!

The Daily Bulletin will be on hiatus for spring break, but please check out Buffalo State’s social media communities for next week’s Totality Tuesday.

Question of the Week:  How can I see Baily’s Beads?

Answer: Baily’s Beads are what appear as a string of bright “beads” of light right before and after totality. They are caused by sunlight passing through low craters and valleys on the Moon’s surface. Unfortunately, you are not likely to see them unless you are using a telescope or binoculars with proper filters for safely viewing the Sun. Remember, because telescopes and binoculars magnify the Sun, improperly using them during an eclipse can cause instant and permanent eye damage. Instead, with eclipse glasses, you should see a beautiful diamond ring effect without the need for a telescope or binoculars.

For information about Buffalo State’s eclipse events, please visit the Buffalo State Eclipse website. Questions? Email eclipse@buffalostate.edu.