Western Washington Gears Up for Solar Eclipse Despite Potential Weather Hurdles
Seattle — Millions of people around the world will have their eyes on the sky on Monday as they witness this year’s total solar eclipse. Although western Washington might only experience around a 20% blockage of the sun, many are eagerly preparing to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.
Even though the weather might pose a challenge, Seattleites are not going to let that dampen their excitement. In 2017, about 90% of the sun was covered during an eclipse, and the experience left locals with a sense of awe. Christine Maifeld, who witnessed the event, reminisced about how the temperature dropped, it got dark, and the overall ambiance was almost eerie.
This year’s eclipse might not be as dramatic, but Maifeld’s daughter, Odessa, is still excited. The moment when the sun disappears a little bit into the darkness is what fascinates her the most. However, it is important to note that NASA and experts strongly advise against looking directly at the sun during an eclipse. Specialized eye protection, such as solar glasses or solar filters, should be used.
Seattle residents can expect the eclipse to begin around 10:39 a.m. and finish at 12:21 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring at 11:29 a.m., according to TimeAndDate.com. While this year’s event might not be as visible or impactful as previous eclipses, it still presents an opportunity for people to appreciate the wonders of the universe.
Looking ahead, the potential future trends related to eclipses and other celestial events could have significant implications for the industry. As technology advances, there will likely be an increased demand for improved solar viewing equipment, such as more advanced solar glasses or innovative solar filters. This could lead to the development of new products and business opportunities within the astronomy and stargazing sectors.
Furthermore, the growing interest in celestial events and space exploration may inspire more investment in research