Total Solar Eclipse in North America, 'Don't Be Like Trump'

From 8:00 pm Dutch time, the total solar eclipse will move from Mexico through the American West towards the Northeastern United States and Canada. “Hotel prices are up and the National Guard is on standby,” says Washington correspondent John Postma. How not to look at the sun, meaning without glasses, is how the media views President Trump in 2017.

Anyone who missed the solar eclipse in North America will have to wait until 2044 for a second chance. So it's no wonder that everyone wants to watch this event. “Especially where the solar eclipse is over, you see a lot of excitement,” Postma says. 'Big crowds are expected there too, and in places that aren't usually busy.'

Hotel prices there have also gone up. Apart from police, National Guardsmen are also stationed at these places to maintain traffic flow. Adding to that confusion is the fact that hail, storms and even tornadoes are expected in Texas and Louisiana after the eclipse.

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Prisoners are also watching

According to Postma, there is a real buzz about fraud in America. “I read a message from a 106-year-old grandfather who was about to experience his thirteenth solar eclipse,” the reporter said. Six more inmates were in the news as they filed a lawsuit to watch the solar eclipse. The latter have won their case and are allowed to pursue the scam for 'religious reasons'.

American media also offer tips to ensure safe viewing. Without special glasses, you can suffer serious eye damage. A picture of then-President Donald Trump is frequently mentioned I watched the solar eclipse in 2017 without glasses. “It's also a good idea not to use phones to take photos,” says Postma. 'Like your eyes, apparently your phone can go blind.'

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Immerse yourself in solar energy

In Texas, what the eclipse means for energy supplies remains to be seen. The state has many solar panels and the power grid is almost unconnected with other states. 'Power companies have been doing this for a long time to publish simulations on the network,' says Postma. Although they themselves expect everything to go without problems.