The Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024

Prepper Mindset

Before I talk about the solar eclipse, I want to explain why I am talking about this on a prepping/homesteading blog.

The anticipation surrounding the 2024 total solar eclipse has stirred up a flurry of activity within prepper forums and groups. Tales of impending doom are circulating, fueled by the fact that some areas within the zone of totality are already under disaster declarations and emergency orders. This has prompted community leaders to advise residents to stock up on essentials like water, food, and fuel, urging them to be prepared for potential disruptions. In some areas the National Guard will be present to maintain order.

This isn't the first time that solar eclipses have sparked fears and myths throughout history. From ancient times to the present day, there's been a tendency for some to interpret celestial events as omens of catastrophe.

Before the 1925 solar eclipse, there were reports of members of religious groups divesting themselves of personal possessions, believing the end of the world was imminent. In fact, some even took to the streets of Washington DC, warning others of the impending doom.

In San Francisco, there were forecasts of earthquakes and severe storms shortly after the eclipse, adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. Such reactions serve as a reminder of the enduring fascination—and sometimes, apprehension—surrounding celestial phenomena.

While it's essential to take precautions and be prepared for emergencies, it's also important to approach events like solar eclipses with a sense of perspective and understanding. These events are natural occurrences, and while they may inspire awe and wonder, there's no need for undue panic or alarm. 

In my view, the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 promises to be an awe-inspiring celestial event, especially for those lucky enough to be in the path of totality. However, with great events come great responsibilities, and it's crucial to adopt a prepper mindset, especially if you live in a small city or rural area.

Think about it: if your town is expecting an influx of thousands of visitors for the eclipse, doesn't it make sense to stock up on essentials like food, water, and gasoline beforehand? I live in an area prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, so I always ensure I have extra supplies on hand. It's just common sense to be prepared.

It's disheartening that community leaders have to remind people to prepare ahead of time for events like these. It should be second nature to ensure you have enough supplies to weather any potential disruptions.  

Let's use this solar eclipse as a reminder of the importance of being proactive and self-sufficient. By adopting a prepper mindset, we can ensure that we're ready for whatever nature—or a celestial event—throws our way.

The Path of Totality

This time around, a 15 states will get to witness totality, where the moon completely covers the sun. And even if you're not in one of those states, don't worry, because all of North and Central America will still get to see at least a partial eclipse. The last time we had this kind of solar show in the US was back in August 2017.

Interestingly, there's a tiny section of the country that had the privilege of experiencing totality during the 2017 eclipse and will get to witness it again on April 8th, provided the weather cooperates.

Cities like Makanda, Carbondale, Cape Girardeau, and Paducah fall within this special zone. For those in these areas, it's a unique opportunity to witness this rare celestial event twice in just a few years.

Next, let's trace that path. It'll start by making landfall in Mazatlán, Mexico, then journeying through places like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and beyond, all the way to Maine and into parts of Canada. 

Along the way, the duration of totality will vary. For example, folks in Mexico might get to enjoy totality for a generous 4 minutes and 27 seconds, while in Canada, it might be a bit shorter at around 2 minutes and 52 seconds.

If you're lucky enough to be in the path of totality, you're in for a treat! Cities like San Antonio, Dallas, Little Rock, Paducah, Indianapolis, Dayton, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Burlington will get to experience it firsthand. But even if you're not in the path of totality, don't fret—you'll still get to see a partial eclipse.

Even cities just outside the path of totality, such as St. Louis, Memphis, Louisville, Cincinnati, Detroit, Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec City, can expect heightened travel activity as eager eclipse enthusiasts converge on these regions to catch a glimpse of the cosmic event.

What's particularly noteworthy about this eclipse is how accessible it will be to major metropolitan areas in the US. cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Chicago, and St. Louis are all within a manageable two or three-hour drive from totality. As a result, this eclipse is likely to spark a significant influx of travelers.

For the best viewing experience, it's recommended to position yourself as close to the center of the moon's shadow path as possible. While aiming for the centerline is wise, don't fret too much about precise coordinates. Ultimately, what matters most is having clear skies overhead.

Where I live, we'll be getting about 60% totality, which is still pretty awesome. And here's a neat tip: a French eclipse expert named Xavier Jubier has made this cool interactive map where you can check what percentage of totality you'll get in your area. So be sure to check it out!

What Happens During a Solar Eclipse? 

Now, let's talk about what happens during a total solar eclipse. The moon slides perfectly in front of the sun, blocking it out entirely for a few breathtaking minutes. This creates what we call "totality," where the sun's corona—the outer atmosphere—becomes visible to the naked eye. It's like watching day turn into night, but in the middle of the day!

What's really fascinating is why this happens. During a total solar eclipse, the moon looks just about the same size as the sun, or maybe a tiny bit larger. So when it lines up just right with the sun and Earth, it completely covers the sun's disk, revealing that beautiful corona. This time, on April 8, 2024, the new moon will appear relatively large, making it perfectly positioned to cover 100% of the sun's disk. That's what creates that narrow path of totality everyone is so excited about.

Clear Skies Needed 

The weather is indeed a big factor when it comes to enjoying celestial events like a solar eclipse. April can be quite unpredictable, especially in the Midwest where tornado season adds another layer of uncertainty. Clear skies are crucial for optimal eclipse viewing, so fingers crossed for good weather on April 8th!

Why is this Solar Eclipse Particularly Exciting?

Longest Totality

The 2024 total solar eclipse is gearing up to be an unforgettable event, with totality potentially lasting even longer than in 2017, depending on where you are. In fact, it's anticipated to be the longest totality on land for over a decade, drawing eclipse-chasers from all corners of the globe to witness this celestial spectacle.

Solar Maximum

Adding to the excitement, the sun's corona during totality is expected to be exceptionally grand. This is because the eclipse is happening close to solar maximum, the peak of the sun's activity during its approximately 11-year solar cycle.

Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mars

During totality, skywatchers will have the opportunity to spot not just one, but perhaps four two planets. Jupiter will be to the upper left (northwest) of the Sun, and Venus, Saturn, and Mars will. be to the lower right (southeast). Venus will shine brilliantly even before totality begins.

"The Devil's Comet"

Adding to the growing excitement surrounding solar eclipse is the return of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the “Devil Comet.” The comet’s name derives from its hornlike appearance.

The comet, known both for its distorted shape and recent explosive outbursts, orbits the Sun once every 71.2 years, comparable to Halley’s Comet. The return of the “Devil Comet” is especially thrilling for many skywatchers, as experts project that it will be visible during the eclipse, thanks to the darkness of totality.

Eye Safety

Safety Glasses

Ensuring your safety while viewing the 2024 total solar eclipse is paramount, and that means having the right equipment: solar filter glasses. These glasses, also known as eclipse glasses or solar glasses, are essential for protecting your eyes when observing the sun directly.

 

When the sun is fully covered by the moon during totality, it's safe to remove your eclipse glasses and enjoy the breathtaking view. However, it's crucial to remember that this applies only if you're in the path of totality. Once the partial eclipse resumes and part of the sun becomes visible again, you must promptly put your glasses back on to avoid damaging your eyes.

Not just any sunglasses will do for viewing a solar eclipse. Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection, as they allow too much sunlight to reach your eyes. Instead, you'll need glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for direct Sun viewing, as recommended by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

To ensure you're getting safe and certified eclipse glasses, refer to the AAS safe supplier list. Avoid purchasing from unauthorized sellers on platforms like Amazon and eBay, as they may not offer glasses that have been properly tested for safety.

Some big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart may carry ISO-compliant eclipse glasses while supplies last, according to the AAS. Once you have your glasses, carefully inspect them for any damage, such as scratches or loose solar filters, before using them.

It's worth noting that eclipse glasses meeting the ISO certification standard and manufactured after 2015 do not expire, so if you still have yours from the 2017 eclipse, you're in luck! After the eclipse event, store your glasses in a container at room temperature to protect them from scratches.

If you're unable to obtain solar filter glasses, welding glass with a rating of No. 14 or darker can also be used safely for eclipse viewing. However, these may need to be ordered online, and anything less than a No. 14 is considered too light for direct sun viewing.

Alternatives to Safety Glasses

There are a few others ways to view the eclipse without eye protection:

Pinhole projector: Making a pinhole projector is easy and is a great activity to do with children.

A pinhole projector is a simple device that allows you to indirectly view a solar eclipse. It consists of a cardboard box or tube with a small pinhole on one side and a white surface on the opposite side. When sunlight passes through the pinhole, it creates a small image of the sun on the white surface inside the box, allowing you to safely observe the eclipse's progression.

Safety precautions when using a pinhole projector include:

• Never look directly at the sun through the pinhole or projector.
• Ensure the pinhole is small and sharp to create a clear image.
• Keep the pinhole projector stable and avoid looking into the box while the sun is shining through the pinhole.
• Supervise children closely when using a pinhole projector to prevent accidents.

There is a full explanation on how to make a pinpoint projector on this Scout Life page.

Colander: A colander, with its many holes, will give you fantastic, multiple images of the sun. Simply hold the colander about 20" above the ground. The images will look even better if you cast them onto a white piece of paper or sheet.

 

Nature’s projector: By looking at the sun coming through the gaps between leaves on trees, you can see how the shadow of the eclipse is projected onto sidewalks and buildings in real time. If your tree isn't by a sidewalk, just spread a white sheet out under the tree.

 

Bucket or large bowl of water: This is the most simple way to see the eclipse. Simply fill a bucket with water and look at the reflection! 

Photographing the Eclipse

 

And, if you want to document the event with photographs, to safely take pictures of a solar eclipse, you should:

• Use a solar filter specifically designed for photography to protect your camera lens and sensor from the intense sunlight.
• Attach the solar filter securely to your camera lens before pointing it at the sun.
• Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and minimize shaking during long exposures.
• Adjust the camera settings for optimal exposure, such as using a low ISO and a fast shutter speed.
• Consider using a remote shutter release or timer to minimize camera movement when taking the photo.
• Never look directly at the sun through the camera's viewfinder or LCD screen.
• Review and adjust your composition and settings without looking directly at the sun.
• After the eclipse, remove the solar filter and review your images carefully.
• Do not attempt to take pictures of the sun with a smartphone camera unless you have a solar filter specifically designed for it.
• If you're unsure about safely photographing a solar eclipse, consider consulting with experienced photographers or astronomy experts for guidance.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse offers us not only a remarkable astronomical phenomenon but also a valuable reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety. As we eagerly anticipate this celestial event, let's approach it with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the cosmos. Remember to prioritize safety by using certified solar filter glasses or alternative viewing methods to protect your eyes. And while it's natural to feel excitement and awe, let's also remain grounded in practicality, ensuring we're prepared for any potential disruptions that may arise. By embracing a prepper mindset and staying informed, we can fully enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of the solar eclipse while also safeguarding ourselves and our communities.