In early April of 2024, millions of people in North America get to experience a complete solar eclipse. This is the first time since the 2017 eclipse; you can experience an event like this. It is something you may wish to watch with children or grandchildren, and it can become an important learning experience. Here are some good things to know to help you get ready for the total solar eclipse of 2024.
When and Where
The event is scheduled to happen on April 8th, 2024. It is expected to pass over the US, and it begins in Mexico on the Pacific coast and spreads up the country from the state of Texas to Maine. In fact, the Canadian Atlantic coast is also affected by the total solar eclipse of 2024 event.
How Rare is it?
Total eclipses happen when the moon, sun, and earth, are in the right alignment. This happens about every year and a half, as the moon’s shadow crosses in front of the sun, giving you access to the sun’s corona. The corona is the outer atmosphere of the sun and is not visible during normal daylight hours. Yet, when an eclipse occurs, the corona can be seen.
Total eclipses are considered rare because they are not often viewable by a large section of the planet. This happened with the Great American Eclipse of 2017. Seven years later, the total solar eclipse of 2024 should be visible across much of the United States.
Safety Tips
Make sure to supervise children during the eclipse. It is important for them and everyone else to have the right kind of eye protection. Remember to buy glasses which are ISO and CE approved and block out 100 percent of the sun’s UV light and 99.99 percent of intense visible light.
