Total Solar Eclipse: 5 Things You Need to Know

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8 Apr 2024 6:05 PM

A total solar eclipse is coming! Here are the 5 things you need to know: 

Here is a way to TRACK your time in the eclipse thanks to NASA

#1 The eclipse is happening on Monday, April 8th at 1:30 PM CT... ending just one hour later. Carving a path from Del Rio TX to Burlington VT with the cities of Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo all in the path of totality. 

#2 This will be a total solar eclipse, where the moon blocks ALL the sun’s light. The average duration of totality for this event will be between 3 ½ and 4 minutes long, which is almost twice as long as the last North American eclipse in 2017.  

#3 Don’t worry if you’re not in totality, the entire U.S. will see some sort of coverage from the eclipse, from the Pacific northwest with 30% coverage to SE Florida with 40% coverage.  

#4 No matter where you’re watching from, you’ll want to make sure you have eclipse glasses so you can safely view the sun during the eclipse. Regular sunglasses won’t do, purchase a pair that is CE and ISO-approved. 

#5 About 10 mins before totality, as sunlight fades, listen for changes in bird and insect sounds ... wildlife might act as if nighttime is approaching.  

For the latest on the solar eclipse and potential weather impacts, join WeatherNation in the days leading up to April 8th! More Articles:

How Rare are Total Solar Eclipses

5 Cool Things You Can See During the Eclipse

How to Contribute to Science During the Eclipse

Eclipse Safety

Hearing the Eclipse

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