What Will You Be Doing on April 8th?

    Have you decided what you are going to do on April 8^th, 2024? If you are anywhere close to where I live, you are within a couple hours drive to the path of totality for the solar eclipse! The eclipse will be visible across the entire continental US, though it will be a partial eclipse for most of states. For those living in or near a narrow path between Texas and Maine, they will be able to experience totality!

    Here in Pittsburgh, the sun will almost be covered by the moon, only 3% will remain uncovered. While it will get dark, you will still need proper protection for your eyes when you are looking at the sun. I met a woman during the last partial solar eclipse who was afraid to look up into the sky because she was afraid she might get blinded. When I offered her my filtered glasses to look through, she politely declined. She decided to stay in the car rather than risk her eyesight. Sadly she missed something that she might have remembered for the rest of her life.

    By driving a couple hours to the north or the west you can enter the path of the eclipse, where the sun will be completely covered by the moon. If you have the opportunity, I’d take it! For most of us, this will be a once in a lifetime event.

      Depending on where you are located, the amount of totality will differ. The entire eclipse will last about 2 1/2 hours (+/-) while totality, the time when the sun is completely covered, will last about four minutes. Less if you’re sitting away from the center of the path. People in Erie will be treated to 3 minutes and 40 seconds of totality while people further south in Edinboro will be getting 3 minutes and 19 seconds. Those in Titusville will be getting about 51 seconds. Your location from the centerline determines how long totality lasts.

    Doing any internet search about the eclipse will stress the importance of proper protection of your eyes. Please don’t stare at the sun without proper shielding! Sunglasses or neutral density filters won’t do the trick; they will allow the infrared light through which can damage your retinas. Solar filters or glasses bought through a reputable company are worth the cost spent on them! If you have a welding filter, #12 or 13, sitting on a shelf, like I do, these can be used in a pinch but it is always worthwhile to do as much as you can to protect your eyesight! Make a projection box if you don’t have anything else. (Instructions can be found on-line)

    It is estimated that 31 million people will be within the narrow strip of totality, stretching from Texas to Maine. Many more will be traveling to get to this stretch of totality. That is a lot of people who will see this event. Municipalities near the bigger cities have been planning and preparing for this event for quite a while! Traffic jams after it happens are expected. If you go anywhere that is crowded, plan on this!

    Some of us have been looking forward to this and planning for it for years! Some are just learning about it in the past few weeks. Whatever you do, no matter where you are, if the weather permits it , go outside and take a look. Chances are, there will be clouds involved, especially if you’re anywhere near where I am. (I seem to have a cloud over my head during astronomical events!)

    Pay attention to your surroundings, listen to what is happening, enjoy the gasps and yelling and cheering of those around you. If possible, consider recording the sounds on your phone. It will help you relive the experience, possibly even bring back goose bumps and maybe even a tear to your eyes! Take some pictures if you’re equipped to do it but take time to enjoy the event, ignore the camera and soak in the experience! You will see lots of pictures of it later; don’t miss it while trying to get one of your own! Step back and enjoy the experience!

    As of today, the eclipse is just two weeks away…keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!

    Note: my public library was giving away free eclipse glasses, check around, they are out there if you haven’t gotten a pair yet!

    Also, star parties are starting next month! Wagman Observatory in Deer Lakes Park will be hosting them on April 13^th and 20^th! For more details and other dates, click the link below;

Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh (3ap.org)