On August 21st of this year much of North America will be experiencing a total, or near total eclipse.  Here are some sources for some questions you might get during the eclipse:

Are my sunglasses safe?

NO! Students need a material that will block out 1 part in 3,000 in both infra red and UV.  Here is a website listing reputable vendors for eclipse glasses:

http://kanecountyconnects.com/2017/08/how-to-tell-if-your-eclipse-glasses-are-safe/


What is an Eclipse?

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-an-eclipse-58

How frequently do they happen?

Eclipses are actually fairly common.  Some form of eclipse happens somewhere on Earth about once a year.  What makes this one unique is that it is occurring right over much of America.  This only happens about once every 20 years or so.

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/how-often-solar-eclipse.html

What would happen if I looked directly at the sun?

Though the risk is low.  There is a possibility of a condition called solar retinopathy.  Usually this is reversible, but there have been cases of total blindness resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun.  If you do stare directly at the sun, chances are you won't even realize you are damaging your eyes.  The condition is usually painless and your brain fills in gaps in your vision without you realizing it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinopathy

How much will we see and when is it at its maximum?

We'll be treated with about 93% totality.  It will still look like a bright summer day even with 93% being obscured.  Consider that one postage stamp of the sun puts out as much energy as 10,000 atomic bombs.  Don't look at it.  If you are going out it begins at about 10:00 am and ends at about 1 pm.  For the Salt Lake area, the time that the eclipse is at its max is about 11:30.

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/salt-lake-city

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2017-august-21


So I really want to see it.  How can I?
Did you buy eclipse glasses a month ago from a trusted Amazon dealer?  If yes. Put 'em on and look at the sun.  If no.  Do you have a #14 welder's mask?  If yes, put it on and look. If no.  Do you have cobalt blue filtration glass?  If yes, put it on and look.  No.  Do you have 8-10 Mylar balloons?  Yes Cut them out and make glasses.  No.  Prick a tiny hole in a paper and let it focus onto the side walk.  This is called a pin hole camera or a camera obscura, plans can be found on the net.

Remember, get those permission slips out.  Only paper signed copies will beat off the circling lawyers.  Have fun and let me know if you have any other questions.

Sincerely,
Mr. Boom