Solar eclipses are relatively common, but the problem with that is, that the vast majority of them are not visible to the U.S. However, we will soon get an opportunity to see one, and you really don’t want to miss out.
Aptly named the ‘Great American Solar Eclipse,’ this event will take place on April 8, 2024. According to the Great American Eclipse’s website, the totality of this event will be 4 minutes, 27, and 27 seconds, nearly doubling the last Great American Solar Eclipse that took place in August of 2017.
Viewers across America, randing from South Carolina to Oregon, were able to see the event. For those who did, you likely know how amazing of a view it can be.
The last one was the first since 1979 and before that, since 1918, making this quite rare.
Starting in Mexico, the Great American Solar Eclipse will make its way through Texas, moving up the Ohio River Valley, and will track all the way through Canada and even New England.
According to Space.com, since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a total eclipse has only happened within our sight 21 times.
“The opportunity to see an eclipse without traveling internationally should not be missed,” explained eclipse photographer Gordon Telepun to AccuWeather. “It is not too early to begin making plans.”
And for those of you who witnessed the beauty of the last one, you can look forward to an even more amazing show.
“The path of the 2024 eclipse across North America is exciting,” Telepun explained. “It crosses more large cities than the 2017 path.”
An upwards of 31 million people live within the path of totality, which is more than double the 2017 eclipse.
The one thing that could make viewing this difficult is the weather, but, for those living in the south or near the south, the odds are much better there.
“Watching the weather fronts a few days before the eclipse will be essential to success,” Telepun said.
Additionally, if you plan to see it in person, you MUST have special eyewear. Without the use of “eclipse glasses” you could end up with serious eye damage. And since the closer you get to the event, the more glasses are sold, many people run out around the time of the actual eclipse. So, it’s best to get a jump start.
While many vendors sell these, the only ones that comply with the solar filter standard can be viewed on a list created by the American Astronomical Society’s website.
Another recommendation by Telepun is to bring a good quality thermometer with you to record how the temperatures drop during the event.
“Most total solar eclipses can cause a 10 to 15°F drop in temperature,” he said. “In the right conditions, it can be more.”
Preceding the eclipse, there is a two-hour partial eclipse. In these moments, a colander can be used to make a pinhole projector, which is fun to use. Pinwheel protectors allow us to see the crescent shadow of the moon, which is blocking the sun.
If you are looking forward to this as much as I am, you can view the path of totality here, that way you can get a jump start on planning your trip to view it, if you live out of range slightly. I have also included the list of reputable vendors who sell the proper eyewear, as listed by the American Astronomical Society.