Ready for the Eclipse?

Are you ready for the April 8, 2024, eclipse? Do you have your solar glasses, your chair, your sunscreen and bug spray? Do you have the spot picked out to watch the solar eclipse? How are you preparing for this rare event? During the eclipse, the shadow of the moon will plunge a narrow strip of land into darkness in the middle of the day. Be sure to plan ahead because, the next total solar eclipse happens Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA. That is two decades from now!

The sun will track a path from Texas to Maine. There are many options to view the eclipse. There is a better chance to see it than during the last eclipse that happened in 2017! NASA’s website states, “During a total solar eclipse, the Moon is closer to Earth in its orbit and appears larger, completely blocking the Sun’s disk. This allows viewers in the path of totality to see the Sun’s corona, which is usually obscured by the bright light of the Sun’s surface.”

Where along the path will you view this solar phenomenon? I am excited to be hosted by Visit Richmond’s Nancy Sartain for this fun event. My friend Linda Spanberger and I are heading to Richmond, Indiana where we will experience four minutes of totality. On their website, they have a fun count down, check it out!

During the 2017 eclipse, my friend Rose Hammitt and I were hosted by Jo Duncan of the Beenders Walker Group! We saw the eclipse in Columbia, Missouri. Like the 2024 event, lots of fun parties and celebrations surrounded the day.

Solar Eclipse history

The eclipse was a scary thing when on one knew what was happening! Cultures like the ancient Greeks thought their gods were abandoning them when an eclipse happened. The ancient Chinese thought a dragon was eating the sun. The Inca culture thought their god was displeased. In these ancient cultures, they didn’t see anything good coming out of this natural event. Animals typically react differently during an eclipse. Scientists plan on studying behavior during this 2024 event. Keep an eye on your pet, see how they react.

What do you need?

Read about the event beforehand so you will understand what you are seeing. This NASA website gives details! They state, “Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth align. For this alignment to happen, two things need to be true. First, the Moon needs to be in the new moon phase, which is when the Moon’s orbit brings it between Earth and the Sun…”

On the day of the eclipse, find the clearest view for your eclipse watching. Keep an eye on the forecast where you intend to watch. Arrive in plenty of time to see the event unfold using solar eclipse glasses, or a filtered telescope. Note that it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. You can’t just take a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter. If you do, it can cause severe eye injury. If you don’t have glasses, like back in school, you can make your own eclipse projector. This takes a cardboard box, a white sheet of paper, tape, scissors, and aluminum foil. Check online for details on how to do this! Getting safety glasses is the easiest way to enjoy!

Although the sun is going to be shadowed, you will be in the sun for a prolonged period of time, so don’t forget the sun protection. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.

Most of all, be patient. Huge crowds are expected, traffic will be snarled, people will be everywhere, and you will need to give yourself plenty of time. If you can, travel early before the event, and late after the event. If you are not traveling anywhere, just enjoy the event in your own backyard!

Record your story.

Here in Illinois, I read that a total eclipse will not occur until 2099. This is a special event. Make notes, write a story, your grandkids may want to know how you celebrated. Check out fun events taking place. Celebrate!

Let me know what you do, I’d love to hear your eclipse story and I will share mine as well!