Are you headed for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024?
We are! We’ve been waiting for this one since August 21, 2017 when we viewed the last North American total solar eclipse from Glendo Reservoir in Wyoming. Yes, eclipses are addictive, but we haven’t gone to extremes to view them, so April 8, 2024 is a great opportunity.
Many websites give the complete details of how and where to view. Here, I simply want to share what we’ve found fun to look at before the actual 2 to 4 minutes of totality you may view: Shadows!
As soon as the earth’s shadow begins to cross, grab your slotted spoon or cheese grater and start looking. The crescents will change shape as the moon crosses in front of the sun.
Even better, station yourself near bushes or trees as we did for the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023. The crescent shadows through the gaps in the leaves will be quite large!
We alternated watching the shadows with views through our solar filtering eclipse glasses at all points during the eclipse: Before, during and after.
It’s neat to see the changes. Note the change in the direction of the opening of the crescent comparing before to after.
Are you camping to view the solar eclipse? Back in 2017 I put out a short booklet of camping comfort tips for those who don’t camp. Check out Camping and Stargazing – When You’re New To Both on Amazon.
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