MOLINE, Ill. - The countdown is on until a rare total solar eclipse, and Quad Cities astronomy club is preparing for the once in a lifetime experience. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
August 21st will be the first time in 99-years that day will turn to night from coast to coast. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Al Scheidler is president of Popular Astronomy Club in Moline. He says stargazers have been planning to view this eclipse for years. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"They aren't occurring where there are large populations. This time we're lucky enough to have them go right straight through the center of the United States.\" <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A total solar eclipse is when the sun, moon and earth align perfectly with each other, leaving some areas of the united states in the dark for a few minutes during the day. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"Popular Astronomy Club\" will be hosting a viewing party at the Moline public library the day of the eclipse. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The group owns a mobile observatory - one of only two in the U.S. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The \"path of totality\" is the 3000 mile long journey the eclipse will travel, starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In the Quad Cities, you'll be able to see about 91 percent of total eclipse. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Experts say you should use proper equipment to view the eclipse to avoid permanent eye damage. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Local 4 News chief meteorologist, and eclipse super-fan, Andy McCray, is hoping for clear skies. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"The one thing we can't control though is the weather. We do need clear skies. If it's a cloudy, overcast day it's not going to be nearly as exciting.\" <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
If you miss the total eclipse next month, another total solar eclipse will pass through the U.S. in 2024, on a slightly different route. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Local Astronomy Club preps for Total Solar Eclipse - OurQuadCities<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MOLINE, Ill. - The countdown is on until a rare total solar eclipse, and Quad Cities astronomy club is preparing for the once in a lifetime experience. August 21st will be the first time in 99-years that day will turn to night from coast to coast Continue reading