On Monday, August 21, a total solar eclipse is occurring with the path crossing directly over the heart of the United States.
In fact, the so-called “Great American Total Solar Eclipse” will darken skies all the way from Oregon to South Carolina! Miss this event, and you won’t see another like this until 2024 and then again until 2045.
In other words, when August 21 arrives, make sure you’re ready.
For those Scouts and Venturers who plan to celebrate this big day, our National Council has decided to offer a very special badge just for them!
Those who participate in this epic event, and complete the special requirements will have the opportunity to receive a special edition Solar Eclipse patch! Patch Cost is $1.99 each.
How to Earn the BSA 2017 Solar Eclipse Patch:
- Locate a site suitable for viewing the eclipse.
– Search Google for “eclipse viewing” and the name of your city or town to find events near you.
– See the exact path and precise timings at this NASA site. - Describe how to safely view the eclipse.
– Never look directly at the sun. Instead, look directly at these tips from NASA on how to view the eclipse safely. - Discuss with your group what you saw and felt during the eclipse.
– Post your comments and eclipse photos on social media using the hashtag #BSAEclipse2017. - Do the following:
– Cub Scouts: Discuss what a solar eclipse is with your leaders.
– Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts: Draw a diagram of the positions of the moon, earth, and sun to show how the solar eclipse occurs.
– Venturers: Research Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington’s 1919 experiment and discuss how it confirmed Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
These patches will be available by PREORDER ONLY. National is only producing 5,000 patches so they are limited.
The DEADLINE FOR PREORDER is July 20th!
Email order to: ruth.fischer@scouting.org
Total Solar Eclipse Patch Order Form
