Preparing for the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Benton AR

Experience the excitement of a total solar eclipse in Benton, AR, in 2024. The 2024 solar eclipse  is something special because the visible corona around the sun is expected to be more visible than in 2017. This is because the sun is going through a period of high activity with lots of sunspots.

The 2024 solar eclipse will cover most of Arkansas with a broad band of totality approximately 117 miles wide. This is wider than during the 2017 solar eclipse because the moon will be closer to the earth in 2024 than it was in 2017.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view a total solar eclipse in Benton, AR. 

Dates of the 2024 Lunar and Solar Eclipses in Benton, AR

In 2024, you can experience three eclipses in Benton. These include a total solar eclipse, a penumbral lunar eclipse and a partial lunar eclipse. The dates of the 2024 eclipses are:

  • March 24 and 25: Penumbral lunar eclipse
  • April 8: Total solar eclipse
  • September 17: Partial lunar eclipse

The Big One: Total Great North American Solar Eclipse

Experiencing a solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring experience as the sky gets dark and shadows grow for a brief period. Viewing a total eclipse is fascinating as the moon gradually obscures the sun until it’s completely dark for a few minutes. At that time, you can see the bright glow of the sun’s corona around the periphery of the moon. 

During the Benton, AR, total solar eclipse, the moon will completely cover the sun. Benton is toward the edge of the total region, so you may see a tiny sliver of the sun during the peak of the eclipse.

Time and Duration of the Solar Eclipse in Benton, AR

The 2024 solar eclipse in Benton starts at approximately 12:32 local time on Monday, April 8. To watch this part of the eclipse, you should wear proper eye protection. Gradually, you’ll see the moon cover the bottom right-hand section of the sun. At around 1:52 p.m., the moon will completely cover the sun, and totality will last for 2 minutes and 39 seconds. During this period of nearly 2 and a half minutes, you can see the corona around the sun. Note that the timing of the peak varies with location.

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the moon only passes through the outer shadow of the earth. This outer shadow is known as the penumbra, hence the name given to this form of lunar eclipse. The earth’s outer shadow is relatively light, so this eclipse is not that dramatic. It looks like a full moon, except that the earth’s shadow is not uniform, casting a darker shadow on one side.

Viewing the Penumbral Eclipse

We can view the eclipse, weather allowing, shortly before midnight on Sunday, March 24 until the early hours of Monday morning. The maximum eclipse from Benton is at 2:12 a.m. on Monday. The total duration of the penumbral eclipse is 4 hours and 39 minutes. 

Partial Lunar Eclipse

A partial or total lunar eclipse is when the moon moves into the darker part of the earth’s shadow. During this eclipse, you’ll see earth’s shadow obscure part of the bottom section of the moon and the moon will have a reddish color. The eclipse starts with a penumbral eclipse at about 7:41 p.m., followed by the partial lunar eclipse from 9:12 p.m. The partial eclipse peaks at 9:44 p.m. and ends at 10:15 p.m. The penumbral eclipse continues until 11:47 p.m.   

Protecting Your Eyes During the Eclipse

It’s dangerous to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Make sure you’re protected by buying ISO-approved eclipse glasses beforehand. Don’t leave it until the last minute, as it’s estimated that more than 30 million Americans will watch this eclipse from their homes and more will travel to see the eclipse. To avoid instant eye damage, you shouldn’t view the sun through binoculars or a camera without fitting a special-purpose solar filter over the device’s lens.

Stay Safe When Looking at the Sun

Even during a solar eclipse, the intensity of the sun’s rays can harm your eyes. Don’t be fooled because the sun seems dim during an eclipse. Prevent permanent eye damage by buying ISO-approved eclipse glasses online from American Paper Optics.

Get in Touch With Us

fter manufacturing well over THREE BILLION paper 3D glasses in American Paper Optics’ twenty six year history, we know we can satisfy your every 3D need. American Paper Optics, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of 3D glasses and other 3D products is your one stop source for anything 3D (that includes Eclipse Glasses). Buy your eclipse glasses today, fill out our online form or call us at 1-800-767-8427.