Tech Tuesday: Total Solar Eclipse

On August 21, 2017, for the first time since 1979, people in the United States will be able to view a Total Solar Eclipse.  What is a solar eclipse?  Check out this video from PBS and Ideastream for a simple explanation.  Since it's not something that happens often, here are some websites and apps to help you keep track of it when it happens and the best way to view it.

from NASA

First, check out the NASA website for all things Total Solar Eclipse!  Here you will find information about eclipses, maps, safe viewing tips, and really anything you would ever want to know about eclipses.  And if you can't get outside to view, they will even have a live stream available for viewing.

from NASA's Solar Eclipse livestream

Another fun website to check out for eclipse information is TimeandDate.com.  There are maps and videos and on the right side of their page, under the countdown, you can put in your town and the website will tell you exactly when the eclipse will begin, how long it will last, and what you will see.  Try it out!

Timeanddate.com

We will all want to look at the eclipse as it's happening but it's important to not look directly at the sun.  If you don't have special eclipse viewing glasses, you can create a simple pinhole projector to view the eclipse using just paper, an empty cereal box, and some tin foil.
Follow the directions in this video from NASA's eclipse website.

Want to track the eclipse on your mobile device?  Check out these two apps:

Eclipse2017.org
iOS |  Android

Eclipse Safari
iOS |  Android

Any plans for viewing the eclipse on August 21?  Is anyone taking a road trip?  Tell us in the comments!

Web Wednesday - NASA style!

This next site, Solar System Exploration, is from NASA and is almost too much for me to handle.  It is so cool to look at and has so much information!!  

You can search through different space missions and search by year, destination, and what country launched the expedition.  My favorite part is the interactive time line of missions you can roll-over and find more information.

You can also see information on planets, and as you scroll over each name a chart of the sky changes so you can see its location!  There is a tool to compare planets to Earth by size and looks.  You can also check out asteroids, moons, and comets that ‘live’ around the planets.

Under the ‘Kids’ tab, you can find all sorts of games!  There is even a chance to be a Martian!  You can make your own profile and continue the learning with a log-in.  Put puzzles together to text your skills!  There is an option to watch Space Story Musical!  With an entire page of information illustrated with kids’ drawings, you can explore the universe!  They even have a page with other kid friendly space sites.  It would be so easy to spend a lot of time here if you are a space nut.  Have fun!