Bearing Witness to a Rare Solar Eclipse: How Bill Nye’s Lesson on Safety and Sightseeing Will Make Monday Unforgettable for Millions of Americans

On Monday, a solar eclipse will pass over parts of 15 U.S. states and be visible to over 31 million people. The event is expected to draw millions more travelers who want to witness this rare celestial phenomenon. The solar eclipse occurs when the moon casts a shadow on the earth, blocking sunlight.

In 1997, Bill Nye, CEO of the Planetary Society, explained this phenomenon on his TV show “Bill Nye the Science Guy”. Nye emphasized the importance of eclipse safety glasses for those planning to view the event. These glasses are much darker than sunglasses and provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays. He demonstrated their effectiveness by holding his cell phone light against them – the light was completely blocked.

During the eclipse, it gets darker but not like a cloudy day. Crickets start chirping, birds sing, and there is often a slight breeze due to local cooling of the ground. Nye encouraged people to be present and take in their surroundings during the event rather than getting distracted by their phones.

NASA estimates that 99% of people across the country will experience either a partial or complete solar eclipse on Monday. The next total solar eclipses in North America are not expected until 2044 and 2045. This shared experience should be enjoyed together as it is a rare and exciting event in the sky that brings people together for one moment in time.