The Great North American Solar Eclipse is scheduled to happen over the United States on April 8, 2024. A Solar Eclipse is when the moon comes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun's light from view. Depending on which state you are in, the view will be different. Some states will have a complete Solar Eclipse while other states will see a partial Solar Eclipse.
 Image Credit: NationalEclipse.com |
NASA is predicting that we will have about 90% sun cover in the Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania, Virginia areas. The eclipse will be visible in these areas from approximately 2:00 PM until 4:30 PM. 90% of the sun will be covered at approximately 3:20 PM.
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It is important to remember that you should NEVER look directly at the sun. PreventBlindness.com explains that looking directly into the sun can cause damage to your retina. This damage, which could be permanent is painless and takes a few hours to a few days before displaying symptoms. Loss of vision, distorted vision or changes in vision colors should all be reported to your eye doctor immediately.
To watch the eclipse, you should have Solar Eclipse Glasses or a Pinhole Projector. In March the American Astronomical Society (ASA) issued a press release about possible counterfeit glasses being sold and provided a list of reputable companies to purchase from as some companies are selling fake versions of these glasses. Be sure to check glasses that you have purchased using the information found in the press release.
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If you are allowing your children to watch the Eclipse that you give them specific rules prior to watching and keep a close eye on your children to ensure that they keep their glasses on the entire duration of the viewing.
 Image Credit: Joe_Potato from Getty Images Signature |
Because of the possible dangers related to viewing the eclipse without proper eyewear, and the time of day that the eclipse will occur is during school dismissals, some area schools have closed. Please be sure to check with your child's school to clarify if they are closed for the day, closing early, or having a normal schedule. If your children will not be with you during the eclipse, it is important that you discuss safety protocol with them in advance.
The American Kennel Club also suggests that pets be kept inside during the eclipse, not for fear that they will look at the sun, but more because they may find the unusual events of the eclipse to be stressful.
NASA predicts that the next Total Solar Eclipse seen from the United States will occur in August of 2044.
