Preparing for Viewing the Eclipse
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It’s likely you've heard all the buzz about the upcoming solar eclipse taking place in Vermont on Monday, April 8th. The partial eclipse starts at 2:14 pm and the total eclipse is from 3:28-3:30 pm. Isn't it going to be awesome to witness such a rare celestial event together? It's not just us Vermonters who are stoked about the upcoming eclipse - we're anticipating tens of thousands, or possible more, visitors from out of state joining in on the excitement.
Vermont saw its last total solar eclipse in 1932 and won’t see another until 2106. So, you've got this once-in-a-lifetime event coming up that you're super excited about, right? Well, good news - AT can help you get ready for it in the best way possible including if you are blind or visually impaired!
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One important note for anyone planning to view the eclipse is that eclipse glasses are a must for protecting your eyes. Vermont Public details where folks can find free and cheap eclipse glasses, as well as a reputable list of vendors.
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Image Description: A pair of glasses constructed of cardboard with a cosmic design and the words “North American Eclipse” on them.
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If you can’t get your hands on eclipse glasses, a safe alternative for viewing the eclipse is using a pinhole projector. This step-by-step tutorial explains how you can create your own pinhole projector using 2 pieces of paper and a thumbtack.
Alternatively, The LightSound Project created a solar eclipse sonification tool in 2017, allowing folks who are blind or visually impaired to experience the solar eclipse in a unique way. The LightSound device converts light to sound, allowing users to listen to the eclipse in real time. An article from Vermont Public details more information about the device. You can also listen to a demo sound clip to get a better idea of what this means.
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Image Description: Various colored LightSound devices. Each device is a small rectangular shaped box with a music note on top. The devices are laid out on a wooden table.
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If you are extremely tech-savvy, their site includes instructions in English, Spanish, and French, for building your own device. Alternatively, there will be a couple of LightSound devices at the St. Johnsbury solar eclipse event for folks to try out if you don’t mind a crowd, as well as a few available at some local libraries and other organizations like the Obscura BTV event at Oakledge Park. There is an interactive map available on LightSound’s website showing where the devices are available.
If you have limited mobility or feel it may be difficult to position yourself to comfortably to view the big event, using a bendable handheld mirror with a handle would allow you to view the eclipse from an angle that works for you. As a reminder, eclipse glasses are still necessary!
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Image Description: A mirror with a long handle that is bent at a 90 degree angle. The handle has a band around it to support grip.
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If you want to view the eclipse from inside your home, see if you can find a South or South-West facing window. Alternatively, there will be a livestream available on NASA TV, NASA.gov, the NASA app, and on YouTube that would allow you to bring the eclipse to you, wherever is most comfortable and convenient.
Happy viewing!
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Due to the mass migration of out-of-staters coming into Vermont, there are some things you can do to make sure you are prepared.
It would be a great idea to pick up groceries a few days in advance as it can be challenging to navigate grocery stores, especially when they are crowded or low in inventory. Check out our 3-part series on AT for grocery shopping found in our newsletter archive for some hacks.
Secondly, it would be a good idea to refill any medication in advance in case traffic makes it a challenge to get to the pharmacy.
Lastly, with so many folks in the area, it may be a good idea to prepare for limited cell service due to heighted network use, and to have an emergency plan in place.
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The contents of this newsletter were submitted by Allie Kelly, AT Specialist for the Vermont Career Advancement Project.
Contact the Vermont Assistive Technology Program by calling 1-800-750-6355 or by emailing dail.atinfo@vermont.gov. For more information visit our website (www.atp.vermont.gov). And if there is a topic that you'd like to see covered, please feel free to let us know!
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