Charlotte Solar Eclipse 2017: What You Need To Know

CHARLOTTE, NC -- The solar eclipse is less than a week away, and as excitement builds to witness this once in a lifetime event, there's a few things you should keep in mind as the date approaches. Everything you need to know about the eclipse in Charlotte, including what time it happens, the weather forecast, safety tips, where you can get special glasses, and more is below.

What time will it happen, and how much of the sun will be covered?

On Aug. 21 at about 2:41 p.m., about 98 percent of the sun will be covered up by the moon in the Charlotte area. Some part of the sun will be covered from 1:12 until 4:04 p.m.

Why is this such a big deal?

It will be the first total solar eclipse to pass through the continental United States in 38 years. The next one will happen just seven years from now in 2024. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news in Charlotte — or other neighborhoods. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

What's the weather forecast looking like for that day?

That's a bit tricky, but now that we're within 5 days of the eclipse, a clearer picture is starting to materialize. The National Weather Service reports that there’s a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the Charlotte-metro area on Aug. 21, and that it will be partly sunny, with a high near 88.

What should I know about safety during the eclipse?

Even during an eclipse, you should never, ever, ever look at the sun directly, as it will cause permanent damage to your eyes. The only exception is the few moments when the sun is completely covered by the moon in the "band of totality."

Special glasses are available to view the sun during the eclipse. Only use those, or a pinhole projector, to view the solar eclipse.

Where can I get these special glasses?
Many retail outlets are selling the viewing glasses. Some companies, however, are taking advantage of the eclipse to make a quick buck, and fake glasses are flooding the market, according to NASA.

NASA solar astrophysicist Alex Young told CBS that fake glasses can do real harm if they're used to watch the eclipse. “They damage the cells in your eyes, they damage your retinas and the damage can be permanent,” he said. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news in Charlotte — or other neighborhoods. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Eye Protection Is Critical For Viewing The Solar Eclipse

RELATED: Get Your NASA-Approved Solar Eclipse Glasses Before It's Too Late

To protect your peepers during the Aug. 21 big event, NASA says you can be sure you're getting the real deal if you buy eclipse glasses from these manufacturers:

• Rainbow Symphony
• American Paper Optics
• Thousand Oaks Optical
• TSE 17
• Baader Planetarium

The American Astronomical Society has also posted a list of vendors that are approved to produce eclipse glasses.

Buyers should also look for the certified ISO icon and the number 12312-2 on eclipse glasses to be sure they will properly block the light, Young said.

NASA warns eclipse-watchers against using homemade glasses, and offers these safety tips to protect your eyes, since looking directly at the sun is never safe:

• Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter. Always supervise children using solar filters.
• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
• Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury.

Just because they're stamped with an ISO seal, indicating they comply with standards set by the International Organization for Standardization, that doesn't mean they're safe as anyone can put that stamp on them. Reports have emerged that companies have been printing the ISO logo and certification label on fake eclipse glasses to make a quick buck. Some are even putting falsified test results on their websites.

What’s traffic going to be like that day around Charlotte?

In a word: Crazy. Law enforcement agencies are already warning about higher-than-average traffic expected on major highways and interstates in the Carolinas over the weekend as people move into their viewing positions for Monday.

NCDOT suggests the following:
Arrive Early

• Plan ahead if you want to view the total eclipse. Know where you want to be and make arrangements for accommodations as soon as possible.
• Expect higher traffic volumes beforehand. Large crowds will gather in the seven North Carolina counties in the path of totality. There will be many travelers on the state's highway system headed to South Carolina.
• Get to your viewing location well in advance of the eclipse.
• NCDOT will suspend most road construction projects and lane closures beginning Aug. 19 through Aug. 22.

Stay Put

• Watch out for pedestrians on secondary roads and city streets. People may be randomly parking and walking along roadsides as they search for a viewing spot.
• Watch out for distracted drivers around you.
• Do not try to view the eclipse or take photographs while driving.
• Turn on your headlights if driving during the eclipse. Even in partial totality, it will become dark outside.
• Do not stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder to view the eclipse. Exit the roadway and park in a safe spot.
• Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.

Leave Late

• Most people viewing the eclipse will try to depart for home immediately afterward, much like the end of a sporting event or concert.
• Motorists – especially in the westernmost counties – should expect heavy traffic congestion following the eclipse.
• Drivers may want to detour or postpone a trip immediately following the eclipse.
• Expect extra congestion on interstates and other primary routes on the day of and the day after the eclipse.
• Get real-time traffic updates at DriveNC.gov or dial 511.

You can find more tips for viewing the total eclipse in the Carolinas here.

» Patch Editor Dan Taylor contributed to this article.

Images via NASA

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