See the light: Southwest Florida braces for a mostly total eclipse Monday
Southwest Florida soon will go (partly) dark in the daytime.
A total solar eclipse Monday will span from one end (Oregon) of the contiguous United States to the other (South Carolina) for the first time in about a century. And even though the eclipse won't be a "total" one in Florida, it still will prove a significant celestial event.
The Collier County Library will distribute a few hundred safety glasses from the Space Science Institute during its eclipse-watching event at the Headquarters Library along Orange Blossom Drive in North Naples. The library will offer activities for children and adults, including a special viewing of totality in its theater.
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Earlier this month, Denise Sabatini, president of the Everglades Astronomical Society, at a Collier library spoke to more than 50 people about the eclipse, why it is important and how she has loved astronomy for 35 years.
Although solar eclipses are not rare occurrences, and in fact happen every 18 months, according to NASA, this eclipse is quite unusual because it will be visible in some form everywhere in the continental U.S.
"It’s unusual to have one going over so many population areas," said Derek Buzasi, the Whitaker Eminent Scholar at Florida Gulf Coast University. "It’s been almost 40 years since we even had access to one in the U.S."
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Although Florida is not in the path of totality, Southwest Florida residents will see about 80 percent of a total eclipse. It will start at around 1:30 p.m. Monday and will end at around 4:12 p.m. Maximum coverage is expected to be just before 3 p.m.
"It won’t seem really dark, even though it is really dark; 80 percent is a lot of light gone," Buzasi said. "Your eyes will adjust and it happens fairly gradually. It will probably seem cooler. The light may seem funny without really understanding why it is."
Eclipse-chasers from all over are traveling to the path of totality. Buzasi will view the eclipse from Wyoming. Sabatini will travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to witness her fourth total solar eclipse.
In Naples, Sabatini said, eclipse watchers should take safety precautions and prepare to be comfortable to enjoy the natural phenomenon.
"Don’t be caught up with things like photographing it, especially if it is your first one. It’s a very short thing. Just enjoy it," she said.
If you are interested in photographing the solar eclipse, Naples photographer Peggy Farren suggests safely preparing your camera.
"You absolutely need a solar eclipse filter for your camera lens," Farren said in an email. "If you are photographing the eclipse, the sun will burn your camera's sensor and ruin your camera."
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For DSLR (digitial single-lens reflex) or equivalent camera users, Farren suggests using a tripod, the longest lens you can and a fast shutter speed. She also said putting your camera in continuous or burst mode will allow you to rapid-fire photos.
For cellphone cameras, Farren suggests making sure you have plenty of storage space and a full battery. She also said it is important to use a tripod and shoot wide.
Charles Paul, event coordinator for the Everglades Astronomical Society, says the group is not planning any events in Naples because most members are traveling North to see the total eclipse. In fact, most of its members are already in position to get the best view.
Sabatini and Buzasi said it is important to take proper safety precautions before viewing the solar eclipse.
“It only takes half a second and you’re blind.” Sabatini said.
Looking at the sun without a solar filter may cause serious damage to your vision. Even with the right safety glasses, it is important to make sure there are no pinholes or scratches in them.
"Use eclipse glasses if you can get them," Buzasi said. "If you can’t get them, you can find ways to project the image of the sun, just don’t look at it."
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The requirement for safety glasses is the ISO 12312-2. Visit eclipse.aas.org for more information about reputable solar glasses vendors or other safe ways to view the eclipse.
The next time a solar eclipse makes its way through the U.S. will be 2024.
"It’s not too early to plan for that," Sabatini said.
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Here are events to celebrate the solar eclipse Monday:
View the eclipse at Florida SouthWestern State College's Observatory
Members of the public can view the eclipse for free from 1:30-4 p.m. at the James & Barbara Moore Observatory on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Punta Gorda. Observatory staff encourage interested visitors to bring certified eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers. For more information, call 941-637-5652 or visit fsw.edu/charlotte/observatory.
Great American Solar Eclipse at Collier County Public Libraries
Several Collier County Public Libraries will host solar eclipse events Monday. The Headquarters Regional Library, Immokalee Library, Marco Island Library, South Regional Library and the East Naples Library will hold events and activities from 1:15-4:30 p.m.
Crafts and science reading materials will be available and the libraries will have a limited supply of solar eclipse glasses for visitors. For more information, call 239-593-0334 or visit collierlibrary.org.
Solar Eclipse Day at the C'mon Golisano Children's Museum
The C'mon Golisano Children's Museum in North Naples is hosting an event from 1- 4 p.m. Monday. The Solar Eclipse Day activities at the museum are included with admission. For more information, call 239-514-0084 or visit cmon.org.
Total Eclipse of the Park at Oscar Scherer State Park
Join park rangers at Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 U.S. 41, between Venice and Sarasota, to watch the partial eclipse. The event is from 1:15-4:15 p.m. and will include eclipse information, safety pointers and crafts to make your own pinhole projector to view the eclipse. For more information, call 941-483-5957.
Solar Eclipse Art at Painting with a Twist in Naples
After the eclipse in the afternoon, Painting with a Twist at 13500 U.S. 41 N., Suite 7, in North Naplesis having an eclipse-themed painting night Monday. From 7-9 p.m., participants can work on an eclipse in paradise canvas. The event costs $35 per person. For more information, call 239-249-8848 or visit paintingwithatwist.com.