On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross the continental United States, providing an exciting and breathtaking opportunity for observation and science. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People located in the center of the Moon’s shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse.
The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. This total solar eclipse will be visible in 15 U.S. states, and a partial solar eclipse will be visible in all 49 continental states.
Observing our star, the Sun can be safe and inspirational. The only safe way to look directly at the unclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is with specialized eye protection, such as eclipse glasses, a solar viewer, or through a telescope with a solar filter. You can also use an indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole projector. During the brief totality phase of the total solar eclipse in April 2024, you can enjoy the solar corona without eclipse glasses.
You can safely view the Sun any day, even when there isn’t an eclipse, as long as you use specialized eye protection, such as eclipse glasses, a solar viewer, or a telescope with a solar filter. You can also use an indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole projector.
Learn more at science.nasa.gov
