Get Ready for a Celestial Spectacle: The April 8th Solar Eclipse!
Have you ever looked up at the sun and wondered what it would be like if the moon blocked it out completely? Well, on April 8th, we get to find out! A total solar eclipse will be happening across North America, and it's a sight you won't want to miss.
Here's what you and your family need to know to enjoy this amazing event safely.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet.
During a total eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun for a short time, making the sky dark like twilight. It's a rare and incredible sight!
The Great North American Eclipse
This year's eclipse is special because the path of totality, where the sun will be completely blocked, stretches across North America, from Mexico and the United States all the way up to Canada.
Totality will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and appear in North America, in Mexico around 11:07 a.m. From there, the path will continue through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine before moving through Canada and exiting North America at 5:16 p.m.
Locally, the eclipse will begin around 1:57 PM, at which time 97-99% of the sun will be covered.
Safety First!
Looking directly at the sun, even for a short time, can seriously damage your eyes.
Here's the most important rule: never look at the eclipse without proper eye protection. Special eclipse glasses are the only safe way to view the sun directly.
These glasses have a special filter that blocks out harmful sunlight. Regular sunglasses or even looking through a camera are not safe!
Fun for the Whole Family
Several local libraries are offering fun events and activities to celebrate the solar eclipse. Find all the information below:
- Eclipse Fun at Fenton-Winegarden Library on Saturday, April 6th: Daytime turns dark as night and the stars come out. It even feels a little cooler. What happened to the sun? Get ready for the April 8th eclipse while making a simple eclipse viewer using a pair of sun viewing glasses. Make a piece of eclipse art and other fun activities. Learn more here.
- Solar Eclipse Watch Party at Holly Library on Monday, April 8th: Bring your own chair or blanket and watch the eclipse. Light refreshments and popcorn will be available. Learn more here.
- Solar Eclipse Watch Party and Beverley Meyer Concert at Springfield Township Library on Monday, April 8th: Join us for family-friendly activities and safe viewing. Learn more here.
- Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Fenton-Winegarden Library on Monday, April 8th: Join us to watch the the total Solar Eclipse. We’ll have eclipse glasses available, activities and stories. Learn more here.
More Fun Ideas:
Even if you can't see the total eclipse, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this special day with your family. Here are some ideas:
- Make a pinhole camera: This is a fun and safe way to project an image of the eclipse onto a piece of paper.
- Have an eclipse party: Invite your neighbors and friends over for a viewing party! You can set up telescopes with special solar filters (never use a regular telescope to look at the sun!), make eclipse snacks (like sun-shaped cookies!), and learn more about space together.
- Check out online resources: NASA and other space organizations will be providing live streams of the eclipse online. You can also find educational websites and games about eclipses.
The April 8th solar eclipse is a chance to experience the wonder of space with your family. By following safety guidelines and planning some fun activities, you can create memories that will last a lifetime!
Bonus Tip: Librarians can be great resources to find safe eclipse glasses and educational materials for kids about solar eclipses. Many of our local libraries have free glasses available for pickup.
