Two Weeks to Go!

We are just two weeks away from the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. We still have time to prepare for the event. Here are some resources to help you plan!

Total or partial?

The first thing you want to know, if you don’t already: are you in the path of totality or not? All of North America will see at least a partial solar eclipse, but millions are withing the path of totality. Are you one of them? Here’s a map to help you figure it out:

And here’s a useful eclipse calculator to help give you more specific details for your location:

Time And Date – Eclipse Calculator

How to observe safely

You may have seen some warnings about fraudulent eclipse glasses. With good reason! Looking at the Sun directly is never safe. If you have eclipse glasses already, you can verify their safety in the following ways:

• Look at the American Astronomical Society’s list of approved suppliers and check against the information printed on yours.
• Aim your glasses at the brightest light in your home (not the Sun!). If you see anything brighter than a very faint dot, discard the glasses. Regular lamp light should not show through at all, and something really bright (like placing the glasses right over your cell phone flashlight) should be a barely discernable orange dot.

Observing by projecting an image of the Sun is a safe and fun way to go. Want to learn how more? Go here: AAS Indirect Solar Viewing

Eclipse Events

Never look directly at the Sun, right? And never point binoculars at the Sun. If you want to observe through a telescope, you need a dedicated solar scope or a solar filter. If you’re unsure how to use those safely, maybe you should check out a local eclipse watching party. Here is a list of events all across the United States:

National Eclipse Events

Here in San Diego, the Fleet Science Center will be hosting its own event,  just like we did for the October 2023 partial eclipse.

Wishing you clear skies! (Or thin clouds work, too!)

If you’re interested in learning more about eclipses, check out this page: https://lisawillspace.com/category/events/upcoming-eclipses/