Total Solar Eclipse 2024: How and when to safely watch the rare event

The rare total eclipse will occur on April 8th and cut across much of the U.S. Here is everything you need to know.

A total solar eclipse will cross North America in April, offering millions of sky-watchers a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken and an illuminated halo appear overhead.

The eclipse on April 8 promises to be a major event because its path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, the continental U.S. and a small part of eastern Canada. In the U.S., weather permitting, sky-watchers in 15 states will have the chance to see the moon almost completely cover the sun, casting its shadow over the fiery orb and creating the effect of a ring in the sky.

People wear protective glasses to watch a solar eclipse in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 20.Tatan Syuflana / AP fileIn all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a “bite” out of the sun and obscuring only part of it in the sky.

Here's everything you need to know about the coming total solar eclipse.

People should never gaze directly at the sun during a solar eclipse, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage.

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/total-solar-eclipse-how-when-safely-watch-rcna139582

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