There's gonna be a total solar eclipse today! That's when the moon blocks out the sun. It only happens about every 18 months and even then, it can only be seen from certain parts of the earth.
Today, on April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse will be visible across the United States, stretching from Texas to Maine, but the times you'll be able to see the eclipse will vary depending on where you are in the country.
According to NASA data, the eclipse will be first seen in Dallas, Texas, at 12:23 p.m. central; the mid-point will be in Evansville, Indiana, at 12:45 p.m. central; and it'll be last seen in Caribou, Maine, at 2:22 p.m. eastern. The total eclipse will appear about an hour and 17 minutes after the start and last for about four minutes.
However, the weather could obscure eclipse viewing in parts of Texas as clouds and storms are forecast, but meteorologists say there will be clear skies for the rest of the country during the solar event.
If you're going to witness the eclipse in person, NASA says you should wear solar viewing glasses (or risk eye damage) rather than sunglasses or no glasses. The reason is solar viewers are thousands of times darker, so they allow you to safely look at the sun. Although NASA does not recommend any particular brand of solar viewers, officials say they should comply with ISO 12312-2.
For those who don't have solar viewers, you could either make your own using common household items or you can stream it. NASA will be broadcasting a telescope feed from 12 different locations. Experience the total solar eclipse 2024 live here.
