4 Things You Need to Know About the 2017 Solar Eclipse

Cliff • August 21, 2017

On August 21st, 2017, millions of sky-viewers across America will be cast into darkness for over two minutes while the moon moves between the earth and sun. As our company name draws inspiration from this powerful cosmic occurrence, we wanted to share important tips about the upcoming 2017 solar eclipse.

Here are 4 things you need to know about the upcoming celestial spectacle known as the “Great American Eclipse.”

 1. It’s a Total Eclipse

The 2017 August solar eclipse is a total eclipse, which means the moon will block out the sun more completely than during a common annular eclipse.

Americans haven’t been able to witness a total solar eclipse in 38 years. A total solar eclipse won’t be viewable in North America again until April of 2024.

2. You Can See the Total Eclipse in 14 States

Although every state in the US will see some percentage of the sun disappear during the eclipse, parts of 14 states will be able to see the total eclipse. These states include of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The states that will be passing closest to the center of the total eclipse’s path will see the sun disappear for about two and a half minutes. Carbondale, Illinois is the city closest to the path of totality — viewers in this city will see 2 minutes and 42 seconds of darkness.

 3. Never Look at the Eclipse Without Protective Eyewear

Whether you’re in a city that’s directly in the total eclipses’ path or can only see a percentage of the eclipse, you should never look directly at the sun without protective eyewear. And protective eyewear doesn’t mean regular sunglasses.

NASA recommends eclipse glasses which meet a safety standard to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. There are many fake products presently being sold, so be sure to check out this American Astrological Society’s list of reputable vendors for eclipse glasses and filters.

4. You can watch it via NASA TV

Although the Great American Eclipse will likely be one of the most unique and exciting celestial occurrences of a lifetime, if you reside outside the path of totality or can’t make outside to see the eclipse, you can watch real-time coverage of the event on NASA Television.

This livestream will provide breathtaking imagery of the eclipse captured by 11 space crafts, three aircrafts, and 50 high-altitude balloons. Even the astronauts of the International Space Station will be providing live-streamed coverage from their orbiting satellite.

Eclipse Engineering is a top tier supplier of high-precision seals for the aerospace industry. Learn more about our solutions to support your aerospace operation.

 

The Different Types of Seal Glands and How to Choose the Right One

By Doug Montgomery • October 21, 2026
When designing a successful sealing system, factors such as leakage control, wear resistance, and seal material selection often receive the most attention. However, another critical component can have just as much influence on performance: the seal gland. A seal gland, also referred to as a groove, is the space within the hardware that houses and retains a seal. Its design affects not only how the seal functions but also how easily it can be installed, removed, or replaced. Different seal materials and configurations require different gland designs. For example, an elastic O-Ring may be relatively easy to install in a solid gland, while a PTFE spring-energized seal may require a split or stepped configuration to prevent damage during installation. Understanding the different types of seal glands is essential when selecting a sealing solution. Below, we'll explore four common gland designs, their advantages and limitations, and the seals best suited for each. What Are the Four Main Types of Seal Glands? The four common types of seal glands used in rod and piston sealing applications are solid, open, split, and stepped glands. Each offers different benefits depending on the seal material, installation requirements, and hardware configuration. Solid glands feature a simple rectangular groove and are commonly used with O-Rings and certain O-Ring energized PTFE seals. Open glands allow seals to be installed directly into a counterbore and are typically best suited for metal-cased seals, including rotary lip seals and cased spring energized seals. Split glands use a removable retaining component to simplify seal installation, removal, and maintenance. They are particularly useful for spring energized seals and applications requiring frequent seal replacement. Stepped glands incorporate a small retaining step that secures the seal without additional hardware. They are often used in spring energized sealing applications where a one-piece hardware design is preferred. Choosing between these designs involves balancing installation requirements, manufacturing complexity, and long-term seal performance. Solid Glands

Rotary Lip Seals: Crimped Case Seal vs. Componentized Design

By Doug Montgomery • September 14, 2026
Compare Crimped Case Seals and traditional componentized rotary lip seals, including their advantages, limitations, costs, and ideal applications.

The Pros and Cons of Channel Seals

By Doug Montgomery • August 26, 2026
Learn the advantages and limitations of Channel Seals, including friction, wear life, PTFE performance, machining requirements, and dynamic sealing considerations.
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Clean-in-Place (CIP) Seals and FDA Compliance in Sealing Applications

By Doug Montgomery • July 15, 2026
Learn how Clean-in-Place (CIP) seals improve sanitation, reduce downtime, and support FDA-compliant sealing applications in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial equipment.