Reviewed by: Michael Seale
Here’s everything you need to know about the eclipse
Reading time: 4 minutes
Eyes up Rocket City! A major astronomical event occurs on Monday, April 8th: The Solar Eclipse.
This will be the last total solar eclipse in North America for over 20 years, so you won’t want to miss this. We’ve got all the information you’ll need to safely view the eclipse including what the eclipse is, where to view it, where to get eclipse glasses and eclipse events that are happening in Huntsville.
What is an eclipse?
An eclipse occurs when a planet’s satellite, or moon, moves in front of the sun and casts a shadow on the planet’s surface. During a total eclipse, if you’re in a fully shadowed area on Earth, the sky will become as dark as dusk, the temperature will drop by as much as 25º and the atmosphere of the sun, which is usually invisible to the naked eye, called the corona will be visible.
A common misconception is that solar eclipses are a rare event that is exclusive to Earth, but the truth is that many planets have eclipses including Jupiter and Saturn. Any planet with a satellite (like our moon) that is big enough to block the sun will have solar eclipses.
The rare part about Earth eclipses is how close in size the moon and the sun are. Their size is almost identical when looking up at the sky which is why the corona produced during a total eclipse is so mesmerizing and makes Earth eclipses so special. The moon is moving away from the Earth at a rate of 3.78 cm per year (about 1.5 inches) so eventually, the moon will be too far away to fully block out the sun. We’ve only got a few million years left to enjoy these cosmic phenomena.
While solar eclipses are cool, they can also be dangerous. During an eclipse, your eyes feel more comfortable looking at the sun because it’s partially covered, but even at 5% visibility the amount of light being emitted from the sun is indistinguishable from normal daylight.
Staring at the sun, even if mostly covered, can burn your retinas which can cause partial or permanent blindness. Only look directly at the sun with eclipse glasses. Sunglasses, welding masks and window tint will not protect your eyes. If you think that using your phone is another safe way to look at the eclipse, think again. The Sun is so bright it can damage the sensors in cameras.
When and where
On Monday, April 8, the eclipse will go from 12:42-3:18 PM with peak obstruction at 2:02.
In Huntsville, we will be getting a 90% obstruction of the sun.
The weather is projected to be cloudy on Monday, which sounds bad but during an eclipse the temperature drops which often will reduce cloud coverage.
Where to get eclipse glasses/eclipse viewings in Huntsville
Glasses should be available throughout Huntsville. You can find them at most office supply stores like Staples, many sunglass stores, The Space and Rocket Center and GigaParts also have them.
- The U.S. Space and Rocket Center– There will be a full day of events planned at the center focused on the eclipse. Guest speakers, hands-on exhibits and special telescopes to view the eclipse will be included with the price of admission to the museum. More information here.
- UAH– On the GCU lawn and in the library you’ll find activities, free glasses and solar viewers. Learn more here.
- Burrit on the Mountain– Burrit is hosting a lunch event with live music, prepackaged lunch boxes and space-themed cocktails. Buy tickets here.
If you want to know about other astronomical events going on this month, check out our guide!
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