Get ready for April 8, 2024. That is when a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
What is an eclipse?
“When the Earth, Moon, and Sun line up in space, we can see an eclipse. NASA studies eclipses from the ground, in our atmosphere, and in space, influencing solar, planetary, and Earth science,” according to NASA.
Maryland will be in the path of a partial solar eclipse. During a total eclipse, the moon totally obscures the sun. Baltimore is not one of these areas.
“In Baltimore, we could start to see a partial eclipse around 2:05 p.m., with the mid-eclipse around 3:21 p.m. at 89.7% magnitude (the amount of the sun that will be covered). It’s set to conclude in Baltimore around 4:33 p.m.,” WBAL reported.
NASA also reported, “During the April eclipse, the path over North America will range between 108 and 122 miles wide – meaning at any given moment, this eclipse covers more ground. The 2024 eclipse path will also pass over more cities and densely populated areas than the 2017 path did. This will make it easier for more people to see totality.”
Cleveland will be the nearest drivable location to Baltimore to see a total eclipse, per WBAL. NASA reported that approximately 31.6 million people live in the path of totality this year.
Avoid retina damage and permanent blinding by protecting your eyes. Sky gazers should never look directly at the sun to watch a solar eclipse. The opportunity to watch the moon block out the sun should not be viewed bare-eyed, through sunglasses, including UV-blocking sunglasses, binoculars, photo cameras, telescopes or any optical device using eclipse glasses or handheld filters, according to the National Eye Institute.
“The sun will burn through them and damage your eyes. There are special filters that can be attached to the front of optical equipment if you choose to watch the eclipse that way.”
The only safe way to watch a solar eclipse without a filter is by turning your back to the sun and watching a projection.
“Devices such as pinhole projectors allow you to watch an indirect image, which is safe and still exciting,” according to Chantal Cousineau-Krieger, M.D., a staff ophthalmologist at NEI’s Consult Service.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center provides step-by-step instructions in a video to make a box pinhole projector https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14391.
If you miss this year’s solar eclipse in North America, the next total eclipse will be limited to Alaska in 2033. Then, in 2044, a total eclipse will only be visible in Greenland, Canada, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The American Astronomical Society reported when seeking eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, it is advisable to start with the AAS list of suppliers so you can be sure your viewers are safe. Eclipse glasses should meet the ISO 12312-2 (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015) international safety standard.
Drivers should also use good judgment during the special event. AAA, an auto, insurance and travel club, reported that heavier than normal traffic before and after the eclipse should be expected. While driving on the road, your vehicle’s headlights should be kept on. Use the sun visor by pulling it down to block your view of the sun. Eclipse glasses should not be worn while driving. Do not photograph or video the eclipse while driving. It is recommended to be mindful of pedestrians who may be walking around looking at the sky.
“Exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse,” per tips provided by AAA.
The Maryland Science Center will host a Solar Eclipse Watch Party on April 8, 2024 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., located 601 Light Street at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Check with your local MyEyeDr. or Warby Parker vision retailer to inquire about obtaining a pair of free solar eclipse glasses while supplies last.
Visit www.mdsci.org to find out about tickets and details. Solar eclipse glasses will be included with paid admission while supplies last. See https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety to learn more about safely watching a solar eclipse and https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters for a list of selected suppliers of solar viewers and filters that are said to be safe when used properly. Find the eclipse map via https://airandspace.si.edu/multimedia-gallery/eclipse-map-2024-1920-1jpg. See https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/projection to learn more about pinhole projection.