How to Watch the Solar Eclipse

Though not as rare as some may think, a total solar eclipse is still a highly anticipated event. On April 8,2024 some residents of Mexico, Canada, and the US will have the opportunity to witness one in person. However, it is important to take proper precautions when viewing a solar clip. Below are the ways in which you can see the solar eclipse safely.

About solar eclipses
According to Space, there are four types of solar eclipse. A total eclipse is when  the sun is fully covered by the moon. A partial occurs when the sun is only partially covering the moon an annular, also known as a ring of fire eclipse, occurs when the moon is centered in the middle of the sun but isn’t large enough to cover the whole thing. And finally a hybrid solar eclipse which is a combination of a total eclipse and annular eclipse but this is very rare,. In fact, 28 percent of solar eclipses are total, 35 percent are partial, 32 percent are annular, and 5 percent are hybrid.

On Monday April 8, a full solar eclipse will travel along a narrow path at around midday, plunging areas from Texas to Maine into total darkness, according to USA Today. It will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CT and end in Maine at 3:35 pm ET. 

Obviously this has garnered a lot of excitement and anticipation. According to USA Today, millions of people are expected to drive to the location closest to them where the total eclipse can be seen. Heavy traffic around those areas are expected.

Path of totality
So how can one experience the total solar eclipse? First,  check out the chart of the path of totality created by Xavier Jubier, an expert on eclipses from France. Plan for a lot of traffic to and from the location. 

It is dangerous to look directly at a solar eclipse as it is occurring, so eclipse glasses or a pinhole camera are a must, reported Space. However, interestingly enough, when the sun is entirely covered by the moon, and the earth is completely dark, the eclipse glasses can come off. They should be put back on the moment the eclipse starts to recede and the sky begins to lighten. 

If time is short, or life is too busy and traveling to the location of the total solar eclipse is not possible, don’t fret. According to USA Today, most of the US  will still experience a partial eclipse. Though not as impressive as a total one, it is still something worth seeing. However, one should be sure to wear eclipse glasses or a pinhole camera while viewing the partial eclipse.

Another way to view the total eclipse is to stay in the comforts of home, and watch the livestream online via USA Today or another site. This requires no travel and no glasses or cameras. 

Witnessing a total eclipse can be an awe-inspiring experience, and it is definitely something worth seeking out. So whether viewing from home, or stuck in traffic with thousands of other enthusiasts, April 8, will be a day to remember.

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