(NEWSnet) - A total solar eclipse will take place April 8, with the path of totality covering parts of 15 states and partial solar eclipse viewing in the rest of the 48 contiguous states.

During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun in such a way that it blocks the light. The impact during those brief minutes is that the day appears as if it was night.

The April 8 eclipse shadow will cross from Mexico to Canada, with maps and other tips available at NASA's website. The path in the U.S. starts in Texas, then moves into Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

It has been decades since some of these locations have been in the path of a total eclipse. The 2017 eclipse took a different direction across the country.

Given the rarity of such an event, many communities, parks, science centers and museums are hosting special activities or viewing opportunities.

Notices found at NationalEclipse.com site and on local news sites include announcements of music festivals, campouts, observatory talks, wedding ceremonies, food trucks and kids’ activities at fairgrounds, racetracks, small airports and other outdoor venues across the country where a view of the sky is open and wide.

Assuming, of course, the clouds cooperate.

 

Here's an introduction to what to expect:

Hot Springs, Arkansas

 

The National Park Service says Hot Springs National Park is one of two national parks that will be in the path of totality. Arkansas hasn’t been in the path of totality for an eclipse since 1918.

The NPS said they expect heavy traffic in and around the park and nearby city of Hot Springs, where live music, food trucks and merchandise sales are planned at various locations.

Indianapolis, Indiana

 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASA are partners in a Total Solar Eclipse event April 8 at the speedway.

It has been 819 years since a total solar eclipse would have been visible in the Indianapolis area, and another 129 years before it happens again.

Activities on site are expected to include science and technology displays, particularly around the themes of racing and space discovery. NASA also has picked it as one of its official broadcast locations.

Cleveland, Ohio

 

Cleveland will be one of the largest cities in totality.

The last total eclipse seen in Cleveland was in 1806, the Eclipse Over Cleveland website says. “People have no idea what’s coming!”

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of two national parks that will be in the path of totality but downtown will certainly be a center of attention.

The Total Eclipse Fest will take place April 6-8 at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland; family friendly science and arts festival. Up to 30,000 people are expected in and around NASA Glenn Visitor Center on April 8.

Also of interest to Cleveland residents: The Guardians have their home opener for MLB season taking place April 8 with the game traditionally starting at 4:10 p.m. The first pitch has been postponed and is expected at 5:10 p.m. as the eclipse will wrap up in downtown Cleveland at 4:29 p.m.

Safety Reminders

 

Special-purpose solar filter viewing “glasses” are recommended for those who look up at the sun. Some venues hosting special events are including solar glasses with ticket purchase for their site; other sites recommend you acquire some ahead of time. NASA warns that severe eye injury can result without using proper eye protection.

An alternative method is watch indirectly with shadows seen through a cardboard peephole box.

Niagara Falls State Park in New York is among the venues hosting DIY box viewer workshops ahead of time.

Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.

Copyright 2024 NEWSnet. All rights reserved.