On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over certain parts of the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Learn what a solar eclipse is, when to expect it and how to view it without damaging your eyes.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that blocks our view of the sun. If you are viewing an eclipse from the darkest part of the shadow, you will experience a total solar eclipse. If you are viewing it from the edge of the shadow, you will experience a partial eclipse.
When will the 2024 total solar eclipse happen?
NASA says the first major city in the U.S. to experience a total eclipse will be Dallas, Texas, at 1:40 p.m. The path will continue through parts of the South, Midwest and Northeast.
To find out if you’ll be able to see the total eclipse from your location, check out NASA’s solar eclipse viewing schedule.
How do you view the eclipse safely?
It is not safe to look directly into the sun, and a solar eclipse is no exception. NASA reports that staring at the sun can burn your retinas and cause “eclipse blindness.” The vision loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the burn.
To protect your eyes, purchase a pair of eclipse glasses before the event. NASA says eclipse glasses are about 1,000 times darker than regular sunglasses. A good pair of solar glasses should block all infrared and ultraviolet light, and almost all visible light. You can tell if your eclipse glasses are safe by making sure they’re certified by the International Organization for Standardization. Look for the label “ISO 12312-2” or “ISO 12312-2:2015.”
Plan now to enjoy the eclipse
To get the most out of the eclipse, purchase your eye protection now. Visit the American Astronomical Society’s website for a list of reputable solar viewer vendors.
Happy viewing!
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
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