We’re less than a week away from the solar eclipse that will cross North America in a wide diagonal swath from Mexico to Ohio to Maine to Newfoundland.
Exciting!
On April 8, 2024, the solar eclipse will be seen by millions of people along the path of totality (where the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks it).
Along with millions of folks who will watch the eclipse on TV, Internet, or from their own neighborhoods or nearby parks.
Solar Eclipse in Michigan
While our location in southeast Michigan won’t be in the area of totality, forecasts predict we’ll see a partial eclipse for 2 hours 29 minutes.
The eclipse begins at 1:58pm Eastern Daylight Time (in our area). It will reach maximum totality around 3:14pm and end at 4:27pm.
And 98.9% of the sun will be obscured by the moon at the peak, which is pretty exciting!
Except next week’s forecast for our area at the time of the eclipse is for cloudy skies and possibly rain showers.
That puts a damper on the event, but I have a backup plan: watch the NASA feed of the solar eclipse.
A Few Things I Learned
The last time I watched the solar eclipse in person was in 2017, when we had a partial eclipse in southeast Michigan.
I knew not to look at the sun directly during an eclipse.
Instead, I used the pinhole method and looking at shadows of leaves on the pavement.
Not very scientific, but they both worked!
For this eclipse, I’ve done a bit more planning and research:
- Purchased solar eclipse glasses with an IOS certification for me and my family members. For folks who don’t have solar eclipse glasses, check your local stores and libraries. Our public library started giving out solar eclipse glasses for free this week.
- Giving some thought to creating an eclipse viewer with a cereal box. Have you ever made one?
- Read the helpful NASA resource for eclipse eye safety
The next total solar eclipse in North America doesn’t occur until August 2044, 20 years from now!
Wrapping Up
Like so many other folks, I’m excited about seeing the solar eclipse! Fingers crossed the weather forecast changes and we’ll have clear skies on April 8, 2024.
