On Monday, April 8, the Great North American eclipse will take place, giving skywatchers across the United States the opportunity to witness the moon blocking out the sun during a solar eclipse. While all states will experience some level of the eclipse, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will be along the path of totality and experience the greatest darkness.
The eclipse will start in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. ET. In states along the path of totality, periods of greatest darkness will last up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds. Scientists predict that this year’s eclipse will be more dynamic due to the sun’s maximum activity, which may lead to more solar flares and eruptions.
People along the path of totality will be able to see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, during totality, which is usually obscured by the sun’s bright face. Those outside the path of totality will witness a partial eclipse with varying degrees of coverage.
Eclipse viewers are advised to use proper safety glasses to protect their eyes from the sun’s rays. Schools along the path of totality are closing for the eclipse, while NASA is offering educational games and resources for kids to learn about the event. The Federal Aviation Administration has also issued warnings about possible travel disruptions related to the eclipse. Additionally, Krispy Kreme is releasing a limited edition “Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut” to celebrate the event.
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Photo credit www.al.com
