News

Safely viewing sun’s total eclipse

  • Published
  • By David L. Yost
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Monday marks the first total eclipse touching the U.S. since 1979, and one Rainier Airman worked to ensure that the greatest celestial event of the decade is viewed safely.

On a bright summer day close to lunch, a group of people gathered outside the McChord Library holding makeshift astronomical instruments. They didn’t seem to have much in common, but gathered to listen to Master Sgt. Regina Rector, 446th Airlift Wing Safety Office occupational safety manager, demonstrate how to safely view the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday.

“We’re just amateur astronomers,” said Rector, who is also a member of the Tacoma Astronomical Society. “I took one college class. That’s pretty much it. I mean, sometimes it takes a class, a stepping stone to get you really interested.”

Their interest now is a summer sky that will be much darker.

The next solar eclipse to appear above the sky of the Pacific Northwest is different because it’s a total eclipse, where the moon completely blocks the sun. It leaves viewers awash in twilight for a few minutes.

The Tacoma Astronomical Society learned from NASA how to teach classes to the public so the eclipse can be viewed safely.

“Our society is going together to a small town in Oregon that’s on the path of totality,” said Rector.

The path of totality is prime viewing for the total eclipse, as it spans across the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. Authorities in national parks and in different states across the path have been preparing for high traffic from visitors wanting to witness an astronomical event that can be once in a lifetime.

“It can be once in a lifetime for some people, some people may live longer to watch the next one,” said Rector.

The next total solar eclipse is in 2024, but the path of totality starts in Mexico before crossing the U.S. on a path from Texas to Maine.

38 years have passed since the last total eclipse could be viewed from the U.S. This has caused a rush on hotel rooms, camp sites, and anything needed to view the eclipse. Viewing glasses have sold out or are very difficult to find.

“I have my own telescope, and I bought some particular solar filter,” said Rector. “I won’t be taking pictures. We’ll have several members taking pictures.”

That was part of the point of the class. Not to just generate or foster interest in astronomy, but to show people how to observe a possible once in a lifetime event when dealing within the constraints of a homemade project.

“It was fun that it was interactive for the kids,” said Rachel Bielefeld, an active duty spouse assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. “I was surprised. I’m glad I brought my son.”

“This is just one of my hobbies. Now I’m living in an area where there’s a society that I can belong to and learn more about what I’m interested in,” said Rector.

The first eclipse MSgt. Rector viewed was a partial one, in the ‘90s. Over the years her curiosity has grown and being an amateur astronomer has allowed an outlet for her curiosity. A total eclipse in what is effectively her backyard for her is an awesome and humbling experience.