On Monday, April 8, be ready for an amazing cosmic spectacle! During the 2024 solar eclipse, millions of Americans who are in the path of totality will see a brief darkening of the sky. According to NASA, this will be the first total solar eclipse across North America in seven years, and the next one that will be viewable from the contiguous United States won’t happen until August 23, 2044.

The precise time of the solar eclipse will change based on your time zone and location. Of course, Monday’s weather will also have an impact on visibility. Here’s what to expect for the precise eclipse moment, whether you’re watching from home or traveling to see this uncommon event in person.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

An interesting astronomical phenomenon known as a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, partially or completely obstructing the Sun’s light.

A shadow is cast on Earth by the Moon when it entirely obscures the Sun; this is referred to as the “path of totality.” This path traverses the surface of the Earth in a comparatively limited span. If the weather is clear, people who are inside this ring can see a total solar eclipse. When the Moon fully blocks out the Sun inside its line of totality, the sky will get darker and more like dawn or dusk.

People who are not in the path of totality will see a partial eclipse. The amount to which the Moon obscures the Sun from their perspective will determine how much darker the sky seems than usual during a partial eclipse.

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse?

The eclipse is set to start in Mexico around 11:07 a.m. PDT on Monday, April 8, before moving into Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. It will then conclude in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Even if you’re not within the path of totality and won’t witness the full eclipse, you may still be able to see a partial eclipse.

Where is the 2024 total solar eclipse?

The eclipse path begins in Mexico and passes through Texas before entering the United States. The entire path is roughly 115 miles broad and runs through 13 states as it moves northeast. Maine will see the end of totality in the United States before the eclipse travels on to Canada’s maritime regions.

Protecting Your Eyes During a Total Solar Eclipse

It’s crucial to remember that except during the brief total phase of a solar eclipse when the Moon entirely covers the Sun’s bright face, it is unsafe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.

Looking at any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter securely placed over the front of the optics can lead to instant and severe eye injury.

• When observing the partial phases of a solar eclipse directly with your eyes, which occur before and after totality, it’s essential to use safe solar viewing glasses (often called “eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. It’s important to note that eclipse glasses are not the same as regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, regardless of their darkness, are not safe for viewing the Sun. Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker and should comply with safety standards the ISO 12312-2 international standard. NASA does not approve of any particular brand of solar viewers.

• Make sure your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer are free of tears and scratches before using them. Should you discover any damage, throw away the gadget right away. It’s crucial to keep an eye on kids when they use solar viewers.

• When utilizing a handheld solar viewer or eclipse glasses, NEVER try to look at the Sun through a telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or any other optical device. Serious eye damage could result from the concentrated sun rays burning through the filter.

• There is another way to see solar eclipses without looking directly at the Sun: indirect viewing. This method requires neither eclipse glasses nor a handheld solar viewer. Making a tiny hole (like the hole punched in an index card) and using it to project an image of the Sun onto a nearby surface is one way to use a pinhole projector. To securely watch the projected image, position yourself so that the sun is behind you. AVOID looking through the pinhole at the sun!

• Consult an astronomer or other professional before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Always remember that any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optical device needs to have solar filters firmly fastened to the front.

Here are some important safety guidelines to follow during a total solar eclipse.

• To observe the Sun during the partial eclipse phases prior to and following totality, use eclipse glasses or a portable solar viewer.

• Only when the Moon totally obscures the Sun’s brilliant face during totality can you safely watch the eclipse without wearing eye protection. When you can’t see any of the Sun with eclipse glasses or a solar viewer, you can be sure it’s safe.

• Put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to observe the Sun as soon as you notice any portion of the brilliant Sun returning after totality.

Skin Safety

The Sun will remain extremely brilliant even during a partial or annular eclipse, or during the partial stages of a total eclipse. You might spend hours in direct sunlight if you’re witnessing an eclipse in its entirety. To avoid damaging your skin, always wear protective clothes, a hat, and sunscreen.

Final Words

There will be a solar eclipse that is quite amazing to see. When watching the eclipse, it is imperative that you use appropriate eye protection and abide by safety precautions. Make sure to check local schedules and circumstances as the eclipse’s exact timing varies based on your location. Take advantage of this safe opportunity to observe the mysteries of our universe and the beauty of nature, whether you’re in the path of totality or only observing a partial eclipse.