Our universe is so big and many events are constantly taking place. We may not be able to experience all of them because of how vast the universe is. Watching a total solar eclipse is one such celestial event.
People have always been fascinated by this for many years and this year is no different. The total solar eclipse of 2024 is said to last twice the normal eclipse so, here are some precautions you should take before watching the eclipse.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes in between the earth and the moon. This causes the shadow of the moon to be cast on a portion of the earth. A rare total eclipse is going to take place on April 8, 2024. Parts of the world will be able to experience this celestial event.
What makes it so unique and different from the rest of the eclipse is the length of the eclipse. This eclipse is said to be twice as long as a normal eclipse. But before going out to see this eclipse, you need to keep a few things in mind. Here are a few things you need to make sure are in check.
Things you need to know before watching a total solar eclipse
Glasses with solar filters
It is advised that you get glasses with a solar filter. You may think you could use any of your goggles to watch the eclipse, but that is not the case. All the glasses cannot filter the radiation of the sun that would permanently or temporarily damage your eyesight.
Solar eclipse needs special glasses to safely watch. And even though 3D glasses look similar to eclipse glasses, you should not use them.
Time of the total eclipse
Keep track of the time of the eclipse. They do not last very long so double-check the time of the eclipse so that you don’t miss out. This is a very rare event; if you have the chance, you should make sure you experience this surreal celestial event. It is said to begin at 11:07 am, starting at Mexico’s Pacific coast.
If you live in the United States, make sure you get your eclipse glasses ready before noon. And if you’re in Canada, you will be experiencing the eclipse from around 2 pm which will end in the evening. Keep yourself updated with the eclipse news so you don’t miss out.
The 2024 total solar eclipse can be seen in many cities across North America. Here are some important places and the times when the eclipse will happen there.
The data information is sourced from the NASA website.
USA total eclipse time:
| Location | Partial Begins | Totality Begins | Maximum | Totality Ends | Partial Ends |
| Dallas, Texas | 12:23 p.m. CDT | 1:40 p.m. CDT | 1:42 p.m. CDT | 1:44 p.m. CDT | 3:02 p.m. CDT |
| Idabel, Oklahoma | 12:28 p.m. CDT | 1:45 p.m. CDT | 1:47 p.m. CDT | 1:49 p.m. CDT | 3:06 p.m. CDT |
| Little Rock, Arkansas | 12:33 p.m. CDT | 1:51 p.m. CDT | 1:52 p.m. CDT | 1:54 p.m. CDT | 3:11 p.m. CDT |
| Poplar Bluff, Missouri | 12:39 p.m. CDT | 1:56 p.m. CDT | 1:56 p.m. CDT | 2:00 p.m. CDT | 3:15 p.m. CDT |
| Paducah, Kentucky | 12:42 p.m. CDT | 2:00 p.m. CDT | 2:01 p.m. CDT | 2:02 p.m. CDT | 3:18 p.m. CDT |
| Carbondale, Illinois | 12:42 p.m. CDT | 1:59 p.m. CDT | 2:01 p.m. CDT | 2:03 p.m. CDT | 3:18 p.m. CDT |
| Evansville, Indiana | 12:45 p.m. CDT | 2:02 p.m. CDT | 2:04 p.m. CDT | 2:05 p.m. CDT | 3:20 p.m. CDT |
| Cleveland, Ohio | 1:59 p.m. EDT | 3:13 p.m. EDT | 3:15 p.m. EDT | 3:17 p.m. EDT | 4:29 p.m. EDT |
| Erie, Pennsylvania | 2:02 p.m. EDT | 3:16 p.m. EDT | 3:18 p.m. EDT | 3:20 p.m. EDT | 4:30 p.m. EDT |
| Buffalo, New York | 2:04 p.m. EDT | 3:18 p.m. EDT | 3:20 p.m. EDT | 3:22 p.m. EDT | 4:32 p.m. EDT |
| Burlington, Vermont | 2:14 p.m. EDT | 3:26 p.m. EDT | 3:27 p.m. EDT | 3:29 p.m. EDT | 4:37 p.m. EDT |
| Lancaster, New Hampshire | 2:16 p.m. EDT | 3:27 p.m. EDT | 3:29 p.m. EDT | 3:30 p.m. EDT | 4:38 p.m. EDT |
| Caribou, Maine | 2:22 p.m. EDT | 3:32 p.m. EDT | 3:33 p.m. EDT | 3:34 p.m. EDT | 4:40 p.m. EDT |
Canada total eclipse time:
| Location | Partial Begins | Total Begins | Maximum | Total Ends | Partial Ends |
| New Brunswick, Fredericton | 2:21 PM ADT | 4:32 PM ADT | 4:38 PM ADT | 4:38 PM ADT | 5:43 PM ADT |
| Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie | 12:54 PM EDT | 3:12 PM EDT | 3:27 PM EDT | 3:27 PM EDT | 4:36 PM EDT |
| Quebec, Montreal | 2:08 PM EDT | 3:24 PM EDT | 3:24 PM EDT | 3:24 PM EDT | 5:44 PM ADT |
| Nova Scotia, Halifax | 3:23 PM ADT | 4:39 PM ADT | 4:41 PM ADT | 4:41 PM ADT | 5:46 PM ADT |
| Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown | 3:26 PM ADT | 4:35 PM ADT | 4:38 PM ADT | 4:38 PM ADT | 5:44 PM ADT |
| Newfoundland, St. John’s | 2:25 PM EDT | 5:09 PM NDT | 5:16 PM NDT | 5:16 PM NDT | 6:18 PM NDT |
Mexico total eclipse time:
| Location | Partial Begins | Total Begins | Maximum | Total Ends | Partial Ends |
| Mazatlán, Sinaloa | 10:28 AM MDT | 12:28 PM MDT | 12:30 PM MDT | 12:32 PM MDT | 2:00 PM MDT |
| Durango, Durango | 10:51 AM MDT | 12:08 PM CST | 12:23 PM CST | 12:23 PM CST | 1:43 PM CST |
| Torreón, Coahuila | 10:58 AM CST | 12:16 PM CST | 12:32 PM CST | 12:32 PM CST | 1:51 PM CST |
Please keep in mind that these times are close estimates and might differ a bit depending on where you are in the city. Make sure to watch the eclipse safely by using suitable eye protection!
Making an eclipse projector
You can also have fun in the eclipse and do a little science project and make an eclipse projector. To make this, you need to cover a small hole in a cardboard box and cover it with aluminum foil. Create a small hole in the foil and hold it against the sun so light can pass through it.
This will project an image of the sun on the second piece of cardboard. You may have to adjust the distance between the two pieces to get a clear image. Now you can see the eclipse safely.
Protect your skin
If you’re in the Southwest region, then you could be in the sun for a while. So, keep your sunscreen ready and keep an umbrella close by. You will be grateful for the shade you have. If you don’t, you could get sunburnt and they are not fun.
Keep your camera on standby
The total eclipse will last for a time less than you expect it to last. So, keep all of your equipment ready. The eclipse of April 8 2024 is supposed to last for twice as long as a normal eclipse.
Which parts of the world will experience the total solar eclipse of 2024?
Mexico’s Pacific coast is going to experience a total solar eclipse at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. Then the eclipse will go across the United States, touching down in Texas, and journeying through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The eclipse will then make its way into Canada, gracing Southern Ontario, and continuing through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. Finally, as the sun sets, the eclipse will end on continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.
It is a remarkable event that you cannot miss out on. Mark the date on the calendar, and make a checklist of things you need to keep in mind before looking at the total solar eclipse. Let your close friends and family know about it too!
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FAQs
What do you need to see a total solar eclipse?
Make sure you are well-equipped to see the solar eclipse. You will need solar-filter eclipse glasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella to have a pleasant experience.
What should we not do during the solar eclipse?
You should not look directly at the sun during the solar eclipse. It can blind you partially or fully(temporarily or permanently).
Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse?
Even if it is dark, it is not safe to look at a total solar eclipse without specialized protection.
What happens during a total eclipse?
During a total solar eclipse, the moon comes in between the earth and the sun which casts a shadow on the earth.
Should I look at the eclipse?
You can watch the eclipse with eclipse-safe equipment, even your camera needs protection.
How rare is a total eclipse?
An eclipse occurs every 1.5 years.
Should I not go out during the solar eclipse?
You can go out during the solar eclipse but do not look at the eclipse with naked eyes.