Last updated: March 7, 2024
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I Didn't Know That!: Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024
Have you heard? Two spectacular solar eclipse events will be visible across the continental United States in 2023 and 2024. On October 14, 2023 an annular solar eclipse crossed the sky from Oregon to Texas. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible as it crosses from Texas to Maine.
Photo by Jeremy White
Annular vs. Total – What's the difference?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. As it moves, the Moon makes a shadow on Earth. If you happen to be inside that shadow, you’ll be able to see a solar eclipse!
As the Moon orbits Earth, sometimes it’s closer and sometimes it’s farther away. If a solar eclipse happens when the Moon is far from Earth, the sun is visible as a “ring of fire” around the moon. This is called an annular eclipse. This ring of bright sunlight is called an annulus, which comes from the Latin word for “ring.”
A total eclipse occurs when the moon covers the entire sun, except for the corona. If you are in the path of totality, you are in the largest part of the moons shadow. If you are in the eclipse path, but outside of the path of totality, you experience a partial eclipse.
Viewing an eclipse
National parks can be a spectacular setting to view a solar eclipse. Visit the Solar Eclipses: 2023 & 2024 page for a map of eclipse paths and event opportunities.
Remember: It is never safe to look at the sun without solar filters, like eclipse glasses or solar viewers. The only safe time to look at the sun without solar filters is during the 2-4 minutes of total eclipse, depending on your location in the path of totality.
Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun.
Solar filters should have:
- An ISO 12312-2:2015 certification
- The manufacturer's name and address printed somewhere on the product
Do not use solar filters that are:
- Missing ISO certification information
- Torn, scratched, or have wrinkled lenses
- Coming loose from their frames
Find more information about how to view a solar eclipse safely.
Plan Ahead
On the day of the eclipse, parks in the viewing path may be very busy. If you decide to view the eclipse in a park, be sure to plan ahead.
- Visit your park or community’s website to get the latest trip planning information
- Expect heavy traffic and long waits on roadways
- Consider carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on the road
- Bring plenty of food and water
Pass it on!
Did you learn something new? Pass it on! There is so much to learn about the natural world and how to explore it, but there's no way for everyone to be an expert in everything. That's why sharing knowledge is so important. Make sure others don't miss out on these two upcoming celestial events and stay safe while enjoying them.
Check out other I Didn't Know That! topics.
I Didn't Know That!
April 8, 2024 Eclipse
Have you heard? Eclipses are coming!
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth casting a shadow.
A total (or partial) solar eclipse will cross the sky from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024.
Stay safe! Remember, it’s never safe to look at the sun without solar filters, like eclipse glasses or solar viewers.
go.nps.gov/idkt