Eclipse day arrives: What to know

[Forward to a Friend]( | [Unsubscribe]( [WTOP] It's the first time in 99 years that a total solar eclipse will cross the continental U.S. The D.C. area will see a partial eclipse, beginning at 1:17 p.m. Here's what you need to know: TO EXPECT: When will the eclipse be here? Will it be dark? Do you need a solar filter for a telescope? And answers to other questions you may have. [WEATHER:]( Meteorologist Matt Ritter says the eclipse will be at least partially visible through the clouds. Read his weather blog and get more weather information on [WTOP's weather page](. [DRIVING TIPS:]( Signs along area highways warn you not to park, but that's not the only thing you need to keep in mind if you are on the road this afternoon. Keep up with all the region's traffic information on [WTOP's traffic page](. [LEARN HOW TO LOOK:]( “Staring at direct sunlight can burn and potentially scar your retina,” said Dr. Shilpa D. Rose of Whitten Laser Eye. There are concerns people will [lose their vision](. [PAST ECLIPSES:]( See photos of eclipses through the years. [PRIME SPOTS:]( Americans with telescopes, cameras and protective glasses have staked out viewing spots along a narrow corridor from Oregon to South Carolina to watch the moon blot out the midday sun. [TAKING PHOTOS:]( Get a good vantage spot and then be ready to make adjustments, if you are using a digital camera. Of course, WTOP wants your best photos. Email talkback@wtop.com, tweet [@WTOP]( or use the WTOP app. [FOOD DEALS:]( Here's where you can score some shining deals on this eclipse day. [WATCH IT ON TV OR ONLINE:]( Your have a lot of options for viewing, including WTOP's live stream from NASA. [LISTEN LIVE:]( Listen to WTOP for more news, traffic and weather. For more information visit [WTOP.com]( or tune to 103.5 FM. [Publish to Facebook]( Publish to Twitter --------------------------------------------------------------- Please do not reply to this email, as the reply will not be read. To contact WTOP Radio, please [click here](. WTOP Radio is located at 3400 Idaho Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20016. [Privacy Statement]( If you believe this has been sent to you in error, please safely [unsubscribe](. If you believe this has been sent to you in error, please safely [unsubscribe](.