Total Solar Eclipse

… And Darkness Falls Over the Land

Have you heard about the total solar eclipse nicknamed the Great American Eclipse? It’s happening on August 21. According to NASA, “The total solar eclipse on Aug. 21 is particularly rare because it's the first time the path of totality exclusively crosses the continental United States from coast to coast since June 8, 1918. It's also the first continent-wide eclipse to be visible only from the United States since 1776.”

Many news stations and media outlets have been reporting on the thousands of people expected to converge in the ‘path of totality’ – a 70 mile wide area  from Oregon to South Carolina expected to see the total solar eclipse compared to the rest of the country which will only see a partial solar eclipse. There are 12 million Americans living in the path of totality and millions more fall into the major metropolitan areas (Portland, OR; Denver, CO; Kansas City, MO; Nashville, TN; Atlanta, GA or Charlotte, NC) that are close enough to drive to the total eclipse.

The darkness from the total solar eclipse will only last for three minutes in the path of totality and other locations will experience partial darkness for no more than three minutes in any one location.

So what should you do to prepare?

• Consider how you’ll handle the possibility of increased vacation requests for those who want to experience the total solar eclipse.
• Be aware of your absentee policy so that you know how to handle the employees who may call out on August 21 without previous notice.
• Outline your plans for allowing employees outside during the time of the eclipse to ensure coverage for your business.
• Consider safety precautions for those viewing the eclipse. Here are some tips from NASA.

For more information, visit the NASA Total Eclipse website.