Capitol News

Every year, various astronomical events capture the attention of skywatchers, but the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, holds particular significance. Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, sheds light on why this event is noteworthy and offers guidance for safe viewing.

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon perfectly aligns between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun's face. Such an alignment occurs only every 375 years for any specific location on Earth. The forthcoming eclipse will be visible in North America, with Mexico's Pacific coast experiencing totality first at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

The path of totality stretches across a 125-mile-wide corridor from Mexico to Canada, passing through states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

To view the eclipse safely without risking eye damage from direct sunlight exposure, it is essential to use eclipse glasses or an indirect viewer that projects an image of the sun. Removing protective eyewear during totality is permissible only within the path of totality. Viewing through binoculars or telescopes without proper filters poses significant risks.

Many are expected to travel to witness this celestial phenomenon firsthand. Travelers should prepare by bringing essentials like food and water and anticipate increased traffic congestion.

During totality, observers will notice a darkened sky with a 360-degree sunset effect and visibility of bright stars and planets. In Michigan specifically, observers will experience a partial solar eclipse with up to 99% of the sun covered.

Aside from the solar eclipse, other notable astronomical events this year include comet sightings in spring and fall—specifically Pons-Brooks in March-April and Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in September-October—as well as meteor showers such as Eta Aquariid in May and Perseid in August. Additionally, supermoons will occur on September 18th, October 17th and November 15th.