Americans will experience what many are calling a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on August 21 when a total solar eclipse passes over the contiguous US, the first since 1979. Fourteen states are in the path of totality, when the moon passes between Earth and the sun to completely obscure our star, and many more will be able to see a partial eclipse.
While totality will only last 2 minutes and 40 seconds, there are some technological hiccups expected for the day.
This has less to do with the eclipse itself and more to do with the millions of people flocking to the path of totality. Because the path mostly cuts through rural areas, which are unlikely to have strong cell service before an influx of solar spectators, people may have a difficult time making calls.
2. Less than reliable GPS, maybe.
A professor at Virginia Tech will be conducting an experiment during the eclipse to test whether the phenomenon has any effect on GPS and AM radio signals. He says already that people can expect changes in their radio signal and difficulty being located by their GPS.
3. Power surge.
Solar panels will not be able to generate as much power as usual, what with the sun behind the moon and all, and electric companies will have to avoid potential disruptions. Plus, once the sun becomes visible again and starts generating power as usual, electric companies will need to avoid potential power surges.
If you’re preparing to view the solar eclipse this Monday, keep yourself and your tech safe. And if you have any questions about a technology claim, eclipse related or not, TechLoss will be here to help–with our solar eclipse glasses firmly in place.