![\"ECLIPSE\"](\"http:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/ECLIPSE-285x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a phrase that\u2019s making the rounds: \u201cpath of totality.\u201d<\/p>\n
The phrase refers to the geographic ribbon on the earth\u2019s surface where the moon entirely covers the sun during a solar eclipse. There\u2019s a lot of buzz about it because of the upcoming \u201cGreat American Eclipse.\u201d This will occur on Aug. 21 (mainland time). The path of totality will extend between Oregon and South Carolina like a seat belt running diagonally across the nation.<\/p>\n
Some of my pals were inking their plans for the event two or three years ago. <\/p>\n
One such guy wasn\u2019t granted the necessary vacation time by his boss. The guy is going to do a Johnny Paycheck (\u201cTake this job and shove it\u201d) and ghost from his job when the time comes. Hey, problem solved.<\/p>\n
I know two other guys who bought campers so they can make long road trips out of the event. They\u2019re going to keep a close eye on weather forecasts so they can position themselves accordingly. Other people will be staying in hotel rooms and hoping their skies aren\u2019t cloudy when the big moment finally arrives. <\/p>\n
Astronomy magazines, tourism organizations, and various manufacturers of astronomical gear are on the bandwagon. <\/p>\n
Likewise, news reports in the general press are circulating along with stern warnings that you shouldn\u2019t look directly at the sun without appropriate filters. Me, I wonder how many people were planning on staring at the sun but who reconsidered their plans after reading newspaper articles that advised against it. <\/p>\n
If I were to make one point about this gig, it would be this: It doesn\u2019t take a major event, such as an eclipse, to enjoy the skies. The popular emphasis on newsworthy events is understandable, but the celestial show is always intriguing. <\/p>\n
However, many people don\u2019t give it any thought just as many people don\u2019t give their health a thought, up until some event compels attention. The wonder of the ordinary is not an outlook with broad appeal. <\/p>\n
Anyway, ads for sorts of items for eclipse viewing have passed under my nose, but I haven\u2019t tried any of the products so I can\u2019t come up with any recommendations. <\/p>\n
Now that we\u2019re on the topic, though, there is something with a celestial orientation that I highly recommend, not for the eclipse, but for general use in bare-eye stargazing. The fancy name for such devices is \u201cplanisphere.\u201d It\u2019s basically a star map with a rotating dial that accounts for the user\u2019s latitude, time of day, and time of year. The brand I recommend is a plastic device called \u201cThe Night Sky.\u201d It\u2019s made by the David Chandler Company. It shows the most prominent stars and constellations. A few other highlights (e.g. galaxies and other stuff beyond bare-eye range) are also charted. These planispheres come in two sizes, large and small. I suggest the large. It\u2019s roughly the size of a sheet of typing paper. <\/p>\n
Various models of \u201cThe Night Sky\u201d are made for various latitudes. As far as I know, Saipan\u2019s latitude (15 degrees north) does not fall within any of these models. There is, however, a model that covers the 20-degree to 30-degree band of north latitudes. That\u2019s close enough to be useful. After all, we\u2019re talking about basic orientation here, not precision moon shots.<\/p>\n
The street prices for these things are roughly $10 to $12. I\u2019ve probably bought a dozen of them over the years. I\u2019ve given a few away. I\u2019ve lost a few, too. However, despite my best efforts I have yet to destroy one of them, although I\u2019m just bright enough, or at least lucky enough, not to have left one of these thin plastic disks inside a hot car.<\/p>\n
The manager of a well-stocked telescope store once told me that he gets an uptick in customer inquiries whenever there\u2019s a big astronomical event in the news, but, outside of the few people whose attention really gets hooked by the gig, things quickly subside after the event. I think the paradox is that the big events are often used to attract attention and business, but confining the field to an occasionally dramatic spectacle really overlooks its strongest appeal. <\/p>\n
After all, from what I\u2019ve seen, there is nothing mundane about the ordinary, and there is nothing as chaotic as that which gave birth to order. Do I understand it? Probably not. But, then again, I don\u2019t have to. For me, it\u2019s just enough to look.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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