A total solar eclipse is set to pass over North America in April, offering millions of skywatchers the rare chance to witness the afternoon sky briefly darken and a “ring of fire” appear overhead. The upcoming April 8 solar eclipse is expected to be a significant event, as its path will traverse parts of Mexico, the continental United States, and eastern Canada. Weather permitting, skywatchers in 15 states in the US will have the opportunity to see the moon almost completely block the sun, casting its shadow in a fiery circle and creating a halo effect in the sky. In all other states in the continental US, viewers will witness a partial solar eclipse where the moon appears to partially obscure the sun.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming total solar eclipse.
How to safely view a solar eclipse
It is crucial not to look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse, even if it is partially or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector are necessary to safely view the eclipse and prevent eye damage. Sky observers should never look at the Sun through binoculars, telescopes, or camera lenses without a solar filter installed. Using Eclipse glasses is essential, as failure to do so can result in serious eye damage. NASA advises taking proper precautions. During the total solar eclipse when the moon completely blocks the sun, it is safe to view with the naked eye, but at all other times, eclipse glasses are required.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and earth align, with the moon passing in front of the sun to temporarily block its light. The moon can either completely obscure the sun in a total solar eclipse or partially block its light in a partial solar eclipse.
Who can see it?
This eclipse is rare because it will cross populated areas of the United States compared to other recent total solar eclipses. NASA estimates that approximately 31.6 million people will live within the 160-mile-wide total path, with an additional 150 million living within 200 miles of the path. The eclipse will pass through various states in the US and enter Canada through provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
While the most spectacular views will be within the total eclipse path, there are still opportunities for people across the continent to witness the astronomical event. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in all 48 states of the continental US, and NASA will stream a live view of the total solar eclipse online.
When will it happen?
The timing and duration of totality will vary by location, with some areas experiencing darkness and the “ring of fire” for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Various resources online, including NASA, NationalEclipse.com, and timeanddate.com, provide information for planning and expectations on the day of the eclipse.
Specific timings for some populous cities along the path of totality are as follows:
Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 PM CT. Totality begins at 1:40 PM CT. Totality ends at 1:44 PM CT. Partial eclipse ends at 3:02 PM CT.
Little Rock, AR: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 PM CT. Totality begins at 1:51 PM CT. Totality ends at 1:54 PM CT. Partial eclipse ends at 3:11 PM CT.
Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 PM ET. Totality begins at 3:13 PM ET. Totality ends at 3:17 PM ET. Partial eclipse ends at 4:29 PM ET.
Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 PM ET. Totality begins at 3:18 PM ET. Totality ends at 3:22 PM ET. Partial eclipse ends at 4:32 PM ET.
Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 PM ET. Totality begins at 3:27 PM ET. Totality ends at 3:30 PM ET. Partial eclipse ends at 4:38 PM ET.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
