On Monday, August 21st, the contiguous United States will experience a solar eclipse visible for the first time in 99 years. The sun, earth, and moon will perfectly align and it will be visible from the west to the east coast. A path of total eclipse will pass through 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina. If you are in Orlando, you will experience a partial solar eclipse from 1:19 p.m to 4:14 p.m. The best time to view the eclipse will be at 2:45 p.m. when the solar eclipse will be at 85% totality. This means that at this time, you can experience viewing the moon almost completely covering the sun! We have put together a few important tips to know about the solar eclipse.
Safety
Looking directly at the sun during the eclipse can cause serious long-term damage to your eyes and even blindness. Also, keep in mind that sunglasses will not be enough to protect your eyes. If you plan on viewing the eclipse, you need to buy ISO certified solar viewing glasses online or you can pick one up for free at your local public library. Pets will be safe as they are not accustomed to looking up at the sun. However, if you want to be extra safe, you could purchase a pair of glasses for your furry friend if you plan on taking your pet out for a walk during the eclipse. You can pick up a pair of glasses in one of 10 public libraries giving out free safe-viewing glasses, but only while supplies last! Many public libraries in the area are even holding solar eclipse viewing parties. Check out the list of public libraries giving out free-viewing glasses below.
www.ocls.info/solar-eclipse
Schools
Many parents are worried about their kid’s safety during the solar eclipse because it will be occurring in the afternoon right as kids are getting out of school. Since dismissal times in most schools in Orlando will remain the same, those kids walking or riding their bikes home must take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Take the time to talk to your kids about not looking up directly at the sun and contact their school to find out exactly what safety precautions will be in place at the school. Central Florida will be allowing kids to stay home from school on Monday. In Orange County specifically, early pickup will be excused with a note. Also, any outdoor activities happening that day will be moved indoors. For more information check out the link below.
www.wftv.com/news/local/solar-eclipse-central-florida-schools-take-measures-to-protect-students/591450148
Where to View
There will be viewing parties and events all over Central Florida. In Orange County, the Museum of Arts and Sciences will have a telescope with a solar filter that will allow guests to see a magnified view of the eclipse. Certain public libraries in the area will have arts and crafts, educational activities, and viewing parties. If you are interested, make sure to register in advance! For a list of events happening in the Central Florida area, check out the link below.
www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/os-bz-eclipse-viewing-orlando-events-20170817-story.html
Walt Disney World
There is no official word on whether Walt Disney World theme parks will be holding special solar eclipse events on this day or how this will affect guests visiting the parks. However, certain changes to a few outdoor rides have already been announced. Keep an eye out for any official announcements in the coming days. For information on what we know so far, check out the link below.
www.chipandco.com/walt-disney-worlds-plans-solar-eclipse-279062/
At Limo Car Orlando we want to make sure our guests enjoy this extraordinary event and do so safely. If you are traveling in the city on Monday during the eclipse, ride in style in one of our luxury limos and cars. Contact us today!
