Developing a STEM Afterschool Program
March 27, 2024
Monthly Newsletter – April 2024
April 8, 2024
Hello everyone! Remember that thing I told you all about earlier this year? That big event of “cosmic proportions?” That’s right – the 2024 eclipse is just around the corner.
On April 8th, just six days from now, the Sun and the Moon will align resulting in a total solar eclipse. (Coincidentally, it will happen on a “Moon day.”) The shadow of the Moon will first appear in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and then pass through North and Central America, finally ending in the North Atlantic. In total, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across a whopping 9,190 miles of the Earth’s surface!
Here in the U.S., the path of totality will stretch all the way from Texas to Maine:
- The total eclipse will be visible in central Texas around 2:30 p.m. EDT (that’s 1:30 p.m. CDT for local Texans).
- Between about 3:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. EDT, it will sweep through central Indiana and northern Ohio. (I’ll be down near Nashville, Indiana viewing it with my family. Interestingly enough, I was just outside of Nashville, Tennessee when I saw my first total eclipse in 2017.)
- Lastly, it will make its way through northern Maine around 3:30 p.m. EDT.
Because so much of the U.S. is being covered by the path of totality, this will be an excellent opportunity for so many to experience this natural wonder, especially for first-timers. (For more details regarding exactly where and when to catch the eclipse, check out this terrific interactive map from NASA.)
In preparation for this event, I’ve put together a few tips for you all to get the best out of your eclipse experience:
1) Location, Location, Location:
Before the day of the eclipse, be sure to hunt out a nice spot for viewing. Look for a good hill or a big open field that gives you the widest view of the sky possible, unobscured by trees or buildings. Rural areas are ideal as they are usually far from artificial light sources that could otherwise interrupt your viewing experience. (Remember that, even though most lights will be shut off during the day, some lights are set up to turn on automatically when it gets sufficiently dark, which could cause them to trigger during totality.)
Also keep in mind that many venues and organizations – like astronomy clubs, parks, museums, libraries, and schools – will be hosting events on the day of the eclipse. So if you’re looking to enhance your viewing experience with extra content and expert guidance, search for hosted events in your area.
2) Safety First:
Eye protection should be a top priority when it comes to any solar viewing experience. Without proper eye protection, the intense light from the Sun could cause temporary to permanent damage to your eyes. Picking up a pair of solar viewing glasses is an easy and low-cost way to keep your eyes safe on the day of the eclipse. (Alternatively, you can use a pinhole projector to safely view the eclipse.) You can purchase solar viewing glasses either online or at some local stores for just a couple of bucks each.
The purpose of solar viewing glasses is to protect your eyes just before and after the totality phase of the eclipse. You see, a total eclipse has five stages:
- First Contact: In this first stage, the leading edge of the dark disk of the Moon makes “first contact” with the bright disk of the Sun.
- Second Contact: In this second stage, the leading edge of the Moon just reaches the opposite, far edge of the Sun. Get ready, because totality is just seconds away!
- Totality: In this third stage, the Sun and the Moon are perfectly aligned – the main event. At this point the dark disk of the Moon has completely covered (or “eclipsed”) the bright disk of the Sun, resulting in the dazzling, bright, white ring of light that total eclipses are famous for.
- Third Contact: This fourth stage marks the end of totality, as the leading edge of the Moon crosses over the far edge of the Sun.
- Fourth Contact: In this fifth stage, the trailing edge of the Moon prepares to cross the far edge of the Sun, signaling the end of the eclipse.
During the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Contact stages, there is still a lot of bright light from the Sun that is not being blocked by the Moon, so it is vital that you wear solar viewing glasses during these stages. But once you see that classic white ring that marks totality, you’re safe to take off your solar viewing glasses and soak in the sight with your naked eyes. But be ready to put them back on once you see even a little bit of bright light peeking out from behind the Moon.
3) Dress for the Occasion:
During totality, the temperature can drop up to 10 °F, depending on humidity and cloud cover conditions. So be sure to pack a jacket!
4) Be ready:
Total solar eclipses are fantastic but brief. Depending on your location (specifically, how close you are to the center of the path of totality), the totality phase of a total solar eclipse only lasts upwards of 4-and-a-half minutes, with most locations along the path of totality getting between 3-and-a-half to 4 minutes of totality. This means being prepared is paramount, as 5 minutes can be the difference between catching this cosmic alignment in all its glory or missing it.
5) Keep It Simple:
In my humble opinion, I don’t think you should fiddle with optical aids like telescopes or binoculars to try and get a better view during a solar eclipse, especially if it’s your first time. There’s already so little time to view totality, so honestly, you might as well soak it all in naturally with your unaided eyes. In addition to your eye protection, be sure to bring your glasses if you’re nearsighted (like me) to get the best view.
If you do wish to use a telescope or binoculars during the eclipse (or a camera to capture images of the event), be sure that they are outfitted with a proper solar filter.
Warning: Wearing solar viewing glasses while using a telescope or binoculars is NOT a safe replacement for a proper solar filter. As light rays from the Sun pass through the optical elements of your equipment, they will be focused into a powerful column of light that can easily burn through the plastic film that makes up the lenses of your solar viewing glasses, and this could lead to serious eye damage.
6) Unfortunately … Prepare Yourself for Disappointment:
Back in ancient times, eclipses were often interpreted as signs from the gods or as a herald of impending doom. Fortunately, we know better than that now, so nowadays the worst thing that can happen on the day of an eclipse is unfavorable weather. Obviously, a clear cloudless sky is ideal for optimal viewing. You will still be able to see most of the action through light cloud cover, but heavier cloud cover could spell the end of the show for viewers. So before you set out to view the eclipse, be sure to check your local weather forecast … and be prepared for the possibility of cloudy weather and poor viewing conditions. (I would encourage you to ceremonially play this song on the morning of the 8th for good luck.)
Happy viewing everyone, and may your skies be ever clear. Until next time.
– Dr. Jake Roark
