April’s Total Solar Eclipse to Cross North America: Millions to Witness Rare Astronomical Phenomenon
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will captivate millions of people as it cuts across North America. This stunning astronomical phenomenon will last for four minutes and 28 seconds, twice as long as the last total solar eclipse in 2017. The eclipse will occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light. What makes this eclipse even more special is that the moon will reach its closest point to Earth in April the day before, resulting in a longer period of totality.
According to NASA, this total solar eclipse won’t happen again until 2044. The path of totality will pass over part of northern Mexico before crossing into the United States. It will stretch across Texas and traverse parts of the Midwest and East Coast before touching southeastern Canada and heading out to sea. Cities like Dallas, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Cleveland, and Buffalo will be directly in the line of darkness. Approximately 44 million people living in the 115-mile-wide path will experience the total darkness.
Shauna Edson, an astronomy educator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, explains the phenomenon by saying, “We’re really lucky here on earth that our moon is approximately 400 times smaller than our sun, but it’s also approximately 400 times closer. So when they perfectly line up, the moon will cover the bright part of the sun.”
While those outside the path of totality will experience a partial eclipse, astronomers advise viewers to always look through a pair of specially designed glasses to protect their eyes. These glasses block out 99.99% of the sun’s light, allowing viewers to safely observe the eclipse. Amateur astronomers should also avoid looking through a regular telescope without a special filter.
For those fortunate enough to be in the path of totality, it will be safe to look at the phenomenon without special glasses for the nearly four and a half minutes when the moon fully covers the sun’s light. During this time, observers might even catch a glimpse of the edges of the sun’s atmosphere, seeing a couple of loops of gas near the edges.
Eclipse enthusiasts across the country are eagerly preparing for the big day with a wide variety of events planned to celebrate this rare event. The Air and Space Museum, in partnership with other Smithsonian Museums, will host a Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The festival will feature solar telescopes and various ways to view the sun and the eclipse safely. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the relationship between the Earth, sun, and moon through scales and models of these astronomical bodies.
Astronomers and stargazers in the path of totality have already made plans to make the most of this rare event. Bryan Tobias, manager of the Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory at the University of Texas at San Antonio, will lead a group of student observers to find the perfect location to witness the totality of the eclipse. The university will also host pre-eclipse parties and stargazing events for interested individuals.
Carbondale, Illinois, home of Southern Illinois University, is fortunate enough to be in the path of totality for the second time in a row after the solar eclipse of 2017. The university will bring back its Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival, featuring music, a 5k run, and an arts and crafts fair.
In Texas, some music lovers will have a double feature of festivals on April 8. The Ground Zero music fest in Bandera, Texas, lies directly in the path of totality and will last for five nights. The Texas Eclipse Festival, located in rural Reveille Peak Ranch by Buchanan Lake, will feature a star-studded lineup of musicians, DJs, and speakers over four days.
For those seeking a unique perspective, a local vineyard in Fredericksburg, Texas, will offer hot air balloon rides after a VIP dinner. This will provide an unforgettable view of the eclipse from the air.
The April 8 total solar eclipse is a rare and awe-inspiring event that will captivate millions across North America. Whether you’re in the path of totality or experiencing a partial eclipse, take the necessary precautions to view this phenomenon safely. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the moon momentarily blocking the sun’s light and experience the wonder of our universe.
