On April 8, Earth will once again be shrouded by a total solar eclipse, an event where the moon’s orbit positions itself between the sun and Earth, effectively blocking out the sun for a brief period of time. This rare phenomenon will most directly affect the Pacific Coast of North America.
Those in Mexico will get to see the eclipse at its fullest at 11:07 p.m. PST. Utah viewers can still enjoy the eclipse’s majesty at less potency. Here, the sky will not go completely dark, but changes in light and shadows will be noticeable.
There is still one month until the eclipse, meaning it is the perfect time to prepare. Viewing a solar eclipse requires specific eclipse glasses for eye protection, which are stronger than normal sunglasses and will protect your eyes as long as they are undamaged.
NASA made it clear: “Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.”
For only a few dollars apiece, it is worth it to stay protected. Unfortunately for some, the lesson comes way too late. William Ramsey, a writer, was enjoying the eclipse last year when he decided to steal some peaks without his glasses.
“As I was fiddling with my phone, I lifted my solar glasses. In hindsight, I guess I thought it was OK to look at the sun through the phone lens. I should have known better,” Ramsey said.
The next day, Ramsey began experiencing “headaches and light sensitivity” that greatly affected his daily life. It was a scary time for him. Luckily, the symptoms went away after months of stress.
“While I am watching the total solar eclipse in Rochester on April 8, the last big one will be on my mind,” Ramsey reflected.
Eye damage can happen to anyone, so it is important to always stay safe. For those who would prefer to use what they have, do-it-yourself solar eclipse viewers are also a possibility. When the eclipse happens, shadows turn to small crescent shapes. By getting a dark box and poking certain holes in it , viewers can isolate the solar beam and see the eclipse like a projector in the box. It is important not to look at the sun directly through the box.
There is so much beauty to an eclipse, and it is so easy to view it safely! For more information about the solar event and safe viewing, visit this website about the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Author: Caden Wiegman
Photographer: Bria Hansen
Editor: Lily Brunson
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