A solar eclipse will be visible across North America on April 8th.
Everyone in the United States will see it at least partially. solar eclipseBut only those within the 115-mile (185-kilometer) wide totality path will be able to witness the sun’s face being completely blocked by the moon’s shadow for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
Only during totality, when the face of the sun is completely obscured, can the corona of the sun be safely seen with the naked eye during a total eclipse. At other times, including during the partial phase of the eclipse, you should wear something like: certified solar eclipse glasses To see the sun.
Otherwise, you should still be aware of safety issues. Here are six tips for safely and happily observing the solar eclipse.
Related: How to safely observe the sun (and what to watch out for)
1. Obtain certified eclipse glasses prior to the event
Eclipse glasses are plentiful and inexpensive. Buy before supplies last and only from this verified list. Safe Solar Filter and Viewer Supplier On the American Astronomical Society’s AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force website. Only then can you ensure that they comply with the following conditions: ISO 12312-2 This means that it reduces visible sunlight to a safe and comfortable level and blocks all but a small portion of the sun’s UV and IR radiation.
Related: Eclipse Glasses: Where to Buy the Best High-Quality Eyewear
Do not use sunglasses, solar filters for cameras or telescopes, smoked glass, welding goggles, photographic or X-ray film, bags of potato chips, or DVDs to view a partial solar eclipse. Sun. None of these methods are safe.
2. Know when to use eclipse glasses
With solar eclipse glasses, you can always see the sun. However, eclipse glasses are typically used to view the sun from the moment it appears. Month We begin to cross it – the time known as first contact. In most parts of North America, you will need to use eclipse glasses to view the eclipse when the sun is only partially obscured. This is the entire period of April 8th.
3. Prepare for a backcountry trip
April 8’s total path will include several major cities and metropolitan areas, but will pass through many remote areas. Many people may be chasing sunny skies and going to areas they never planned to visit. There is a lack of facilities and gas stations, especially in remote areas of Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. So bring everything you need, including a full fuel tank, extra food, water, cash, and toilet paper.
4. Pay attention to weather and conditions
April can bring with it everything from snow in the Northeast to tornadoes in the Midwest. Mountains, lakes, and forests may provide a beautiful backdrop in remote parts of the northeastern United States and Canada, but conditions in the backcountry can be harsh at this time of year.
Related: 2024 Solar Eclipse Weather Forecast: Q&A with Experts
“Our most important role is to ensure safety, adequate preparation and “It’s about sharing important information about upcoming events across the region.” The Regional Office for Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) said: statement.
ROOST encourages people to avoid mountain trails and bodies of water. Please read. Climate along the solar eclipse trackI decide based on the weather forecast. best place to see solar eclipse The day before the event.
5. Stay safe in the city
If you decide to observe the eclipse from a city sidewalk, perhaps even during your lunch break at work, be careful. When you’re looking through solar eclipse glasses, it’s easier than you think to get lost on roads or other dangerous situations. The easiest and safest place to view a solar eclipse is in a square or park. You’ll have a better chance of seeing the eclipse than in urban areas, where buildings can easily block your view.
The largest cities within this road are Mazatlan and Torreon in Mexico. San Antonio, Austin and Dallas, Texas. Indianapolis, Indiana. Hamilton, Ontario. Montreal, Quebec.
read more: Total solar eclipse April 2024: 10 major cities in the path of the total solar eclipse
6. Avoid traffic jams to avoid getting lost.
Unless the roads are clear and you have multiple backup plans, moving at the last minute for sunny skies is especially discouraged. A great way to monitor traffic conditions before and after the eclipse is to use Google Maps or a similar app to monitor live traffic information.
Related: Solar Eclipse Traffic: How to avoid getting stuck in traffic on April 8, 2024
However, you need to know your destination. A great way to start your research is interactive solar eclipse map and be careful Solar eclipse schedule for various locations in advance.Fred Espenak’s Road Atlas of Total Solar Eclipse in 2024 and michael seiler A field guide to the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses. Be sure to have a hard copy of the spiral binding of Total Pathways in case you lose your cell phone connection. A great option is solar eclipse timer appprovides an audio explanation of exactly what will happen and when it will happen, and will instantly tell you whether you are on the path to wholeness or not.