It’s shadow time again baby! Soon, people living in North America will experience the first solar eclipse in nearly a decade.
Although the last solar eclipse in North America occurred in 2017, the next one is not expected to occur until August 2044, so seizing the moment is crucial. A solar eclipse is more than just a strange shadow, it’s a wonderful opportunity to hang out outdoors with loved ones and contemplate the insignificance of humanity compared to the vastness of the universe.
What is a solar eclipse?
“This is the arrangement of the sun, moon and earth, The moon passes directly between the sun and the earthblocking the sun’s rays from reaching the Earth’s surface,” said Noah Petro, NASA Artemis III project scientist. If you’re in the path of totality, you’ll see the moon completely obscured Sun. Off the main roads? You may still see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon obscures part of the sun.
Despite the involvement of the moon, solar eclipses should not be confused with lunar eclipses. During this time, the moon moves into Earth’s shadow and turns a deep red color. The lunar eclipse was visible from most of the entire hemisphere facing the moon at that time.
When is the 2024 solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse will pass through parts of North America Monday, April 8. Depending on where you are along the path of totality, the eclipse will occur in the afternoon and may last about four minutes. For more details, see NASA’s map detailing the exact times different cities across the United States will experience the eclipse.
Where will it be visible?
Although total solar eclipses mainly occur in Mexico and the United States, a small portion of eastern Canada also follows the path of totality. To see what it looks like in different locations, check out this great website that simulates a solar eclipse, created by a retired mathematician.
The three main cities in Mexico where the total solar eclipse can be seen are Mazatlan, Durango, and Torreon.
There are many places across the United States where you can experience whole foods. Some of these locations include Dallas, Texas; Russellville, Arkansas; Carbondale, Illinois; Greenwood, Indiana; and Buffalo, New York.
If you want to get the best viewing experience, finding a spot that avoids overcast weather is crucial. “Especially in northern New England, we may have some cold, cloudy weather,” Petro said. “Through Mexico and central Texas, you might be able to find places where you’re more likely to get clear skies.”
Want to go somewhere within the path of totality? You may need to get creative at this point, as many hotels and campgrounds within the core trails have been fully booked for months. Maybe consider finding a place to spend the night an hour or so off the main road and then drive to see the eclipse in the afternoon.
Do I really need to wear Eclipse glasses?
the answer is Yes.
“Looking at any amount of the Sun is very dangerous,” says Matt Bothwell, public astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge. “So you should wear eclipse glasses to watch the Moon move across the Sun’s surface.” Just wear An ordinary pair of sunglasses isn’t enough – you need ISO-certified eye protection that allows for direct sunlight viewing.