The Disappearing Sun?
On April 8, 2024, we will witness a mesmerizing event. A total solar eclipse is upon us, and here at the Science Center, we can explore this celestial phenomenon in many ways.
But first, what is this event? A solar eclipse is when the Moon aligns in between the Sun and the Earth, and for an amount of time, the Sun is hidden behind the Moon. The skies temporarily darken, and the Sun’s light disappears for a brief time. It’s an incredible sight!
There are three types of solar eclipses: partial, annular, and total. A partial solar eclipse occurs when only a small portion of the Sun is covered by the Moon, leaving a crescent-shaped shadow in the Sun. An annular solar eclipse is when the Moon is too far away from Earth to completely cover the Sun in our eyes, so the outer portion of the Sun is still visible. It looks like a ring of light around an otherwise dark circle. However, the upcoming eclipse in April is a total eclipse. This is when the entire Sun is covered by the Moon; it is the darkest event of the three.
The upcoming eclipse will span across North America, from Mexico up to Canada; millions of people are looking forward to this event. Here in Pittsburgh, it will take place on April 8, beginning at 2 pm and ending at 4:30 pm. If you want to see the maximum effect of the eclipse, check it out at exactly 3:17 pm for the best view. If you are planning to watch the eclipse, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, the eclipse will occur rain or shine, so make sure to prepare for the weather. More importantly, however, looking at the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause severe damage to your eyes. Even regular sunglasses won’t do. Special certified eclipse glasses are the best solution.
Here at the Science Center, we have a whole day planned for you to enjoy the eclipse and learn more about space. Another eclipse stretching across the United States won’t be here until 2044, so be sure to grab this opportunity to learn more about the celestial bodies around us. We hope to see you there!
Source:
Dunn, Marcia. “Countdown Begins for April’s Total Solar Eclipse. What to Know about Watch Parties and Safe Viewing.” AP News, 26 Feb. 2024, apnews.com/article/total-solar-eclipse-april-2024-83164668ee08b0a0c92e1d2ac41e91aa 
. Accessed 03 Mar. 2024.
“Types of Solar Eclipses – NASA Science.” NASA, science.nasa.gov/eclipses/types/ . Accessed 03 Mar. 2024.
On April 8, 2024, we will witness a mesmerizing event. A total solar eclipse is upon us, and here at the Science Center, we can explore this celestial phenomenon in many ways.
But first, what is this event? A ...
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