Solar Eclipse: April 8

On April 8 a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. During a total solar eclipse, the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in alignment, and the Moon obscures the Sun entirely and the sky will darken.

While Florida is not in the direct path of this event, some sources say we might see a partial solar eclipse somewhere around 3 pm. More than half of the Sun may be obscured by the Moon from our angle, depending on where you are in the state. So be sure to protect your eyes!

Safety is the number one priority when viewing a solar eclipse. Be sure to wear specialized eye protection. Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun (which won’t occur here in Florida this time), it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.