by Layal Hilal
Have you ever seen a solar eclipse? Solar eclipses are amazing phenomena and are once-in-a-lifetime experiences…or twice-in-a-lifetime! In fact, during a time period of about four minutes, a solar eclipse will occur on April 8th, 2024. And in order to properly prepare for this eclipse, I will be sharing some facts about solar eclipses and warnings in general, and some specifically about the solar eclipse happening in April.
- There are two types of eclipses; lunar, which occur when the earth is positioned between the sun and moon and it gives the moon a reddish tint. Lunar eclipses are also known as “blood moons” and, honestly, the name definitely makes sense. The other type of eclipses are solar, which occur when the moon comes close to the earth and it completely or partially locks the sun from view for a few moments.
- Solar and lunar eclipses follow a “path of totality”, and the only way to see a total eclipse is if you are along the path of totality. This year, the path of totality in America is in Texas, Mexico, and several states in the far eastern side of the U.S. The eclipse will still be viewable from states such as California, Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada, but it will only be viewable as a partial eclipse.
- Although eclipses are beautiful and amazing, they are, like most things are, dangerous. Never look at a solar or lunar eclipse without special eclipse glasses unless the eclipse has entered the totality phase. If you do look at an eclipse that is not in totality with a naked eye, you may injure your eyes really badly. Make sure to be very careful!
- In general, eclipses are pretty rare. But for a total solar eclipse to happen for a full four minutes? It is going to be amazing and you do not want to miss it. If you can’t visit a place that is in the path of totality, make sure you still get a good view of the eclipse from wherever you will be, and don’t forget to get solar eclipse glasses. Remember to only look at an eclipse with your naked eye if it has reached totality.
- I’m pretty sure that by now, you’re wondering “What is a solar eclipse exactly and why is it so special?” Well, solar eclipses only occur when the moon’s orbit carries it close to the earth, so close that the moon actually seems to block the sun from view and it casts a shadow on a certain part of the earth.
- Usually, the shadow—from the eclipse—falls onto an ocean, and, naturally, it is extremely difficult to get out onto the ocean to see an eclipse. So when an eclipse does fall onto land, it is very special.
I hope you can see the eclipse, wherever you are, and I really hope you don’t look at the eclipse before it’s in totality! Remember, the solar eclipse is viewable all over the U.S., but only in totality from a few places. It occurs April 8th, and don’t forget to get some eclipse glasses. Have fun!
The Lighthouse 