For hundreds of years, explorers attempted to navigate by the sun and the stars. After months in the wild, a chronometer wasn’t always trusted to synch up with Greenwich time. By observing the eclipse of Aug. 5, 1766, navigator Capt. James Cook was able to determine the longitude of an island off the coast of Newfoundland. Cook’s calculation differs from modern readings by only 22 arc seconds.
The ring of fire will be shining with only one-tenth of normal sunlight. The illumination will be more shadowy than dark. And during the brief eclipse, a clear sky should turn deep blue. And the surrounding landscape may be silvery hue.
Remember if you want a direct view of the sun use tinted lenses. Good luck! Enjoy the sunrise and the ring of fire.
