Streaming the Solar Eclipse

Natural phenomenons can be a wonder to behold.  Especially remarkable ones like the total eclipse of the sun that is taking place on Monday, August 21st.  The last time this occurrence was visible from the United States I was just six years old.  So a total solar eclipse is obviously a rare sight that you don't want to miss out on if you can witness one.

For those people who don't have the special glasses to gaze directly at the event, may be stuck inside for work or other obligations, or the weather isn't cooperating with cloudy skies don't fret.  Live video of the event is going to be broadcast from a variety of sources.  Here are a few options to stream coverage of the solar eclipse to your television, computer or mobile device:

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration will be providing numerous perspectives of the solar eclipse from unique vantage points including the International Space Station, NASA aircraft, astronomical observatories across the United States and more than 50 high-altitude balloons.  The NASA TV Public Channel is streaming TOTAL ECLIPSE programming online throughout the phenomenon.  Alternate streaming feeds that will have live coverage and commentary from NASA include Facebook Live, Twitch TV, Ustream, and YouTube.  The TOTAL ECLIPSE coverage will feature expert commentary from astronomers, academics, astronauts and scientists in addition to what promise to be some spectacular visual images.  NASA will also be providing a live raw video feed without any commentary for those who just want to enjoy viewing the solar eclipse.

THE EXPLORATORIUM

The Exploratorium, a science learning laboratory and museum in San Francisco, is hosting 5 live feeds of the solar eclipse.  They will be available to watch through the organization's free Total Solar Eclipse App or its web page.  The video being streamed will include (1) telescope imagery from Casper, Wyoming, (2) telescope views from Madras, Oregon, (3) a one-hour educational eclipse program with scientific experts from Explorium and NASA in English (4) the educational program also broadcast in Spanish, and (5) a live musical perfomance by Kronos Quartet.

SLOOH

This streaming service focuses on working with observatories around the world in sharing the imagery of astronomical events with each other and the public.  Slooh does a nice job of supplementing the visuals component of their broadcasts with commentary by experts who explain things in a manner relatable to the average person. You do need to sign up for a free account to access Slooh's broadcast but covering these type of events is their cup of tea so they are well worth checking out.  You can also watch Slooh's webcast without registering for an account by viewing their video feed on space.com.

STREAM.LIVE

Working in partnership with NASA, Stream's coverage will focus on footage from the high-altitude balloons being launched throughout the United States within the eclipses path of totality (where the moon will completely obstruct the sun).  Visitors to eclipse.stream.live will have the option of the video feed from specific balloons via an online interactive map feature.

WESTERN SOL

Here's an entertaining way to watch the eclipse.  A film maker is shooting a Western movie with the solar eclipse as part of the plot and viewers can watch it all unfold live on Facebook.  Western Sol will begin around 12:25 ET and if all goes well you'll be able to witness the real eclipse live within this fictional story about a rancher who is force to rob a bank.

Remember, if you are going out to watch the eclipse outside even though it is shaded by the moon looking directly at the sun is dangerous for your eyes.  Don't gaze at this celestial event without the proper safety gear covering your eyes.  Watching one of these streaming channels may thus be your best option for enjoying this moment in time if you don't have the recommended NASA-approved safety glasses on hand.

COMET TV SOLAR ECLIPSE GUIDE + GIVEAWAY

On Monday, August 21, 2017 there will be a stellar event taking place in the sky over much of the continental United States when a solar eclipse will occur.  My friends at COMET TV don't want A Geek Daddy's readers to be left in the dark about this incredible occurrence so they've create a special solar eclipse resource guide on their website for us to share with you.  WHEN THE MOON THROWS SHADE -- AN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ECLIPSING describes what a solar eclipse is and provides instructions on how to view it safely.  There really is some great information here!

While visiting the COMET TV website check out what new movies they are airing in August.  They are always broadcasting different rotations of classic horror and science fiction films.  This month's films for example include An American Werewolf in London and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

An American Werewolf in London 

One of the greatest horror films of all time is headed to COMET! Check out John Landis’ often imitated but never duplicated 1981 classic, An American Werewolf in London, and discover why it’s always a good idea to “stay off the moors.” The film airs on COMET on August 18 at 8pm ET/PT, and again the following night  (Friday, August 18) at the same time.  Check COMET TV's schedule for additional broadcasts.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers 

 Most of the time, we’re not big fans of remakes. But once in a while, a remake comes along that vastly outshines its inspiration. Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the 1978 reboot of the 1956 sci-fi thriller, is one of those remakes. Not only that, it’s maybe the best remake ever made, and with stars like Donald Sutherland, Jeff Goldblum, and Leonard Nimoy, it’s not hard to see why. The invasion begins on August 25 at 8P/7C, with an encore airing at 8P/7C on August 26.

GIVEAWAY

Also don't miss out on the COMET TV solar eclipse themed giveaway A Geek Daddy is hosting.  The prize pack contains:

1 - “Total Solar Eclipse” Collectible First Day Issue Stamp - Straight from the USPS this is the official commemorative first day issue stamp.

1 - Comet USB Charging Bank - Do you want to snap a selfie and oh no, you only have 10% power left? Fear not, Comet has you covered. This awesome charger is the perfect save for any emergency situation!

1 - Comet Embroidered Hat - An official Comet TV hat is perfect for any ensamble. It will protect you from the sun, while you look more stylish and awesome than you already are!

 1 - Comet Cooler Bag - This fun portable travel cooler is the go-to gear for your sodas, snacks and anything else you want to put it in. Take it to the park when you’re about to watch the eclipse and let your beverages stall chill and frosty, just like you!

 1 - Limited Edition Comet SPF 30 Sunscreen Squeeze Pouch - We can’t let you get toasty out in the sun! This limited edition SPF 30 sunscreen pouch can go in your travel bag and let you avoid a nasty burn!

For a chance to win it please follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and retweet the embedded message below before 11:59 pm ET on August 22, 2017.  Must be a US resident over 18 years old to participate in this promotion.

Follow @Geekdad248 and RT before 8/23/17 for a chance to win a SOLAR ECLIPSE themed prize pack from @WatchComet #ad pic.twitter.com/xRFNW0p4jJ

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) August 17, 2017

COMET TV is an overair broadcast network that can be tuned in with a digital antenna that specializes in science fiction and horror programming.  You can watch COMET TV in the Metro Detroit area of Michigan via digital antenna on Channel 19-7.  CLICK HERE to see if COMET TV is broadcasting in your area.  If not, COMET TV can also be viewed for free by utilizing its app on Apple TV and Roku or watching its live website stream at CometTV.com.

If it is cloudy or rainy on August 21st or you just can't get outside to view the solar eclipse NASA will be live streaming video from the international space station and prominent locations across the United States.  CLICK HERE to view their live eclipse feed.  Or of course you could always watch what is airing on COMET TV instead!

Disclaimer & Rules:  A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use. The prize is provided by COMET TV and A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a US resident over the age of 18 to participate.  One entry per mailing address and winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries.  If you have already won this prize through another blog participating in this promotion, your entry will be disqualified.  By participating in this promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No P.O. Boxes allowed for delivery of the prize. COMET TV will be responsible for shipping the prize to the selected winner.  A Geek Daddy is not responsible for delivery of the prize.