Be Ready!

On April 8, 2024, a Total Solar Eclipse will Be Visible in the Continental U.S. 

 If you plan to view this amazing occurrence, make sure to protect your eyes from the heightened UV exposure!

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light in some areas. A total solar eclipse means the moon will completely block the sun’s face, and if you’re in the path of the eclipse, you’ll be able to see the sun’s corona and outer atmosphere, weather permitting. With a total eclipse, the atmosphere will turn 'dark' for a few moments, the temperature will briefly go down, and you may even see daylight stars if the sky is clear enough.

How do you safely watch a total solar eclipse?

Not only are solar eclipses special because of their relative rarity, they’re unique in how they’re watched. For the few minutes when the moon is fully blocking the sun—know as totality—viewers can look directly at the sun without any eye protection. Any other time, including the hours before and after totality when you’ll see a partial eclipse, it’s important to wear protective eye gear, such as solar eclipse glasses. These glasses have a special rating  ISO 12312-2. “As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, IMMEDIATELY put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the sun,” NASA explains.

Where are the best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse?

According to NASA, cities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will experience the total solar eclipse. Parts of Mexico and Canada will also fall within the eclipse’s path.

Learn more about places within the Path of Totality with the best views of this year's eclipse here:  https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/april-8-2024

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

Solar eclipses, of one kind or another, happen between two and five times a year. Total eclipses happen about once every 18 months. However, this doesn’t mean one will be visible from your home this often. According to the Natural History Museum, London, a total solar eclipse is viewable from any one place about once every 400 years. For example, the last total solar eclipse visible from the United States happened in 2017 and followed a track from Oregon towards South Carolina. This year, the solar eclipse’s path will start in Texas and move northeast towards Maine. The next total solar eclipse will happen in 2026 and will be visible from the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.

NOTE: If you notice decreased central vision, altered color vision, spots in your vision, or distortions after viewing an eclipse, call our office right away!

Be SAFE & enjoy this momentous occasion!