Solar Eclipse Digital Breakout

The eclipse will soon be upon us. Your special glasses are ready to go, you have read the Science, and you are excited for the big event! But wait, brace yourself, if you don't solve this breakout in 45 minutes, no eclipse viewing for you. Ready, set, get ready to shine!

Total solar eclipse: Monday, April 8, 2024

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.

There are different types of solar eclipses, but the most common ones are:

partial solar

total solar

annular solar

Safety is the number one item to remember when it comes to the solar eclipse. It's important to remember never to look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, as it can harm your eyes. You can use special solar viewing glasses to safely observe the eclipse.

Solar eclipse glasses have special filters that block harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation from the Sun. These filters reduce the brightness of the Sun to a safe level for viewing.

Proper solar eclipse glasses should meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

Eclipses are not random. They take place in overlapping patterns called Saros (“the repetition”). Every 18 years, 11 days, and eight hours the Sun, Moon and Earth align in almost the same way, causing a very similar solar eclipse. So on April 20, 2042 the same alignment that causes the 2024 eclipse will occur again.

The path of totality will cross the following 13 states:

Texas

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Missouri

Illinois

Kentucky

Indiana

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Vermont

New Hampshire

Maine

A partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 50 states.

The parade of sunny animals marched down the street, led by a wise old owl and a giggling koala bear, who playfully danced at the end.

Remember:

Look for the "diamond ring" effect: Just before and after totality, the sun will appear as a bright ring around the moon.

Learn about the science: Understanding how eclipses occur can be fascinating and educational.

Respect the environment: Eclipse viewing can attract large crowds, so be mindful of your surroundings and leave no trace.

Photo credits:

Three types of eclipse image credits (left to right): Hinode/XRT, NASA/Aubrey Gemignani, NASA/Noah Moran

Map image credit: https://nationaleclipse.com/maps.html

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