2024 Solar Eclipse
Are you ready for the total solar eclipse of 2024? We have all the information you need on how to be prepared for this spectacular event that you won’t want to miss. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between our planet and the sun. As the new moon completes its path, it casts a shadow on certain parts of the Earth as it travels. The moon’s shadow effectively blocks the sun’s rays temporarily with the effect of the sun appearing to be blocked out.
In ancient times, some cultures thought solar eclipses would bring disastrous events, but thanks to science we now know this is a natural event. The 2024 eclipse is a perfect time to learn more about astronomy while enjoying a fascinating natural phenomenon.
There are four types of solar eclipses: partial, annular, total and hybrid. On April 8, 2024, the earth will experience a total eclipse. The last total solar eclipse that was visible from North America was on August 21, 2017, so you don’t want to miss this one or you’ll have to wait a while until it happens again!
What Makes the 2024 Eclipse Special?
Since 70% of the world is covered by water, the majority of eclipses are unseen by human eyes. It’s rare for people to see an eclipse–and it’s even rarer for people to see a total eclipse in their neighborhoods. The 2024 eclipse is unique because it gives you the chance to see a total eclipse where the moon completely covers the sun.
The Experience of Totality
If you didn’t witness the 2017 total eclipse, get ready for an experience that you’ve never seen before. The light will start to go dark as if the sun is setting early. When the moon fully covers the sun, you can take off your glasses for a few minutes and witness the event firsthand.
The sunlight forms a shimmering halo around the moon, creating an otherworldly effect like a scene from another planet. It’s impossible to understand if you haven’t seen it in person. The experience is so incredible that people travel across the country to see a total eclipse.
Where to See the 2024 Eclipse in North America
The total solar eclipse of 2024 will begin its journey from Mexico and end in Canada. If you live in the solar eclipse’s path of totality it means that you’ll be lucky enough to view the entire eclipse. The path of the eclipse will be in Sinaloa in Mexico. As it travels, it will pass over Texas, and on to the following states and finally ending in Canada:
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Missouri
- Indiana
- Ohio
- New York
- Vermont
- Maine
If you are outside the path, then here’s your opportunity to take a fun road trip with your friends and family. You might consider going to the best viewing spots in the United States which are:
- Dallas, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Buffalo, New York
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Carbondale, Illinois
- Burlington, Vermont
If you do plan on checking out these great cities for the 2024 total solar eclipse, then it’s a good idea to book your hotel room early. These areas expect thousands of solar eclipse viewers, and accommodations will fill up early. Look for special events surrounding the eclipse like festivals and parties.
If you can’t make it to one of the best viewing spots in the country, then you might consider checking out your local science museum or university. Many learning facilities plan on broadcasting this astronomical event for everyone to enjoy, and they’ll often provide free lectures and exhibits about the topic of solar eclipses. It’s an excellent way to get your kids excited about science too.
Enjoy the Eclipse Safely
The most important thing to keep in mind about the 2024 eclipse is that you need to protect your eyes. Although it may be tempting to squint at the sun directly, don’t do this! The UV rays of the sun will burn your retinas and can cause permanent damage to your vision. You’ll want to purchase protective glasses that are made especially for viewing the total eclipse.
Sunglasses won’t protect your eyes when you watch a solar eclipse. Even strong sunglasses aren’t meant for staring at the sun. You should also not use smoked glass, floppy disks or old film as a filter because they offer no eye protection. The sun’s rays are harsh, and it only takes a few seconds to damage your eyes.
You can get creative and make a pinhole viewer or projector. You can project the eclipse on to a surface with a telescope or binoculars. However, the safest and easiest way to protect your eyes and still enjoy this cool celestial event in all its glory is with safety glasses.
When you purchase eclipse glasses, they must be rated by a laboratory for eclipse viewing. Our Eclipsers® glasses are ISO approved and CE certified for every phase of eclipse viewing, and were also the eclipse glasses ordered by NASA for the 2017 total solar eclipse.
Don’t miss out on the 2024 total solar eclipse! If you do, then you’ll have to wait years for the next one to pass over North America. Just be sure to make your travel plans in advance and have plenty of eclipse glasses on hand.
