Next calendar month will see a rare and exciting astronomical event : a total solar eclipse that will be viewable across much of North America . On Monday , April 8 , the moon will pass directly between the Earth and the sun , blocking out the sun ’s rays and temporarily cause evenfall , then darkness in the middle of the day .
In 15 U.S. state of matter , darkness will descend for several transactions across the course of action of an hour , enabling a unique experience for those within the regard radius . But though this is a wonderous event to lay eyes on , you ’ll need to be thrifty if you wish to view the eclipse , as doing so without the right equipment can damage your eye . NASA has partake in tips on how to safely regard the occultation , and the agency will also provide a bouncy current of view of the eclipse for those who ca n’t see it in person .
How to view the solar eclipse safely
It ’s important to never look directly at the Lord’s Day , and this includes before , during , and after a total solar eclipse . Viewing the sunshine with the nude eye or through opera glasses , telescopes , or a tv camera lens can cause severe middle price ( if you ’re concerned in photographing the occultation , fit out this advice from Nikon ) . You should wear eclipse glasses to be safe — but think back that eclipse glasses are n’t the same as veritable sunglasses . Eclipse glasses are much , much dark than dark glasses for protect your eyes .
The American Astronomical Society hasput out a warningthat some mathematical product sold as eclipse glasses may not be up to safe standards , so it has compile a lean ofsafe solar spectator , and it ’s recommended to use one of these . NASA also provide more information aboutsolar occultation safety on its dedicated site .
An option to using occultation glasses is to catch the upshot indirectly , such as by using apinhole projector . This is a fun project to make with kids and will allow them to see the occultation safely using materials that are pronto available at place .
How to view the solar eclipse online
If you live outside the way of the total solar eclipse , you could still delight the experience thanks to a NASA livestream . The outcome start out at 1 p.m. ET on April 8 , and NASA will pass over the eclipse from Mexico , across the U.S. , and up to Canada , while also providing purview from across the eclipse ’s path and information about the occultation from expert . you may watch via the video above or by heading toNASA ’s YouTube page for the alive stream , which is also usable inSpanish .
However you view the eclipse , it should be a limited result . “ It ’s a moment when millions of people across America will look to the vault of heaven , as the moon passes in between the Earth and the Lord’s Day . It ’s a rare sight that we have n’t seen in seven years , ” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson sound out in a press conference . “ Eclipses have a special king . They move masses to feel a kind of awe for the ravisher of our universe . Their big businessman is not only to unify us on Earth , but to further scientific discipline and discovery . ”