What You Need to Know About the April 8 Solar Eclipse Across the US
(NEWSnet/AP) – About 32 million Americans live along the April 8 solar eclipse totality path.
The primarily affected states will be Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. In addition, small parts of Tennessee and Michigan are included. Most of the rest of North America will experience a partial eclipse.
While the alignment of the sun, moon and earth can happen every 1 to 3 years, the chances are far less for it to happen over a specific location on Earth. NASA says it usually takes 400 years to 1,000 years before totality returns to the same spot.
NEWSnet has assembled a list of resources and features to help our viewers and readers enjoy the celestial spectacle, and explain the impact for those who are living or traveling in the path.
Video: Where you can expect to see the eclipse:
Where the Eclipse Takes Place
The moon’s shadow will create a 115-mile wide path of totality from Mexico to Canada. Major cities in that region include Dallas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis, Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; and Montreal.
For details: Here’s Who Will Be in Path of April 8 Solar Eclipse.
Map: While only some states are in the path of totality, most of the country will experience a partial eclipse:
How to Experience the Eclipse Safely
Sound and touch devices will be available at some public gatherings to help those who are blind or visually impaired interpret what is taking place in the sky.
Solar eclipse glasses are recommended for safe viewing, in order to prevent eye damage.
How can you tell if your solar viewer glasses are safe or not safe?
For details: Are Your Glasses Safe for a Solar Eclipse?
Infographic: Tips from NASA on viewing the eclipse:
Celebrations Across the U.S.
Hundreds of sports stadiums, national and state parks, campgrounds and science museums in or near the eclipse path have announced special activities or public viewing at their locations. If you're looking for announcements in a specific area, start with looking up the state or county tourism sites.
For details: Eclipse Celebrations Slated Across the US on April 8
A variety of beverages, bakery and snack foods might be on your party menu. We found examples from across the totality zone.
Over 20 National Park Service sites across the U.S. will host Junior Ranger lessons and giveaways in celebration of the eclipse - and a special NPS date stamp also has been issued.
Video: NEWSnet's David Ade shares viewing plans and safety tips from the the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum:
Travel, School and Everyday Logistics
Emergency agencies and tourism officials have been planning for months on how to handle a predicted tourist surge along the narrow band of totality.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is among state leaders who have signed orders directing preparation plans. The recommendations from emergency management officials include top off gas tanks or fully charge electric vehicles before heading out.
While the decision to close school is made by local officials, many of the K-12 districts in solar eclipse totality area or near it have decided to close that day or run lessons remotely.
Solar eclipse recommendations have often included a caution that that cell phone connections (and services that rely on them) may be disrupted in the totality area because of the numbers of people.
Those who plan to fly in or near the eclipse zone should be aware of possible flight delays and disruptions for a few days because of higher-than-normal traffic and limits on typical aircraft activity.
The Federal Aviation Administration says air travel for the eclipse is extending the traditional spring break travel season for a few days past Easter week.
Video: NEWSnet's Kirk Montgomery relates how to keep your pets safe during the solar eclipse:
Science Research and Artistic Views
Researchers at Fort Worth Zoo in Texas will study the behavior of their animals during the eclipse, following up on unusual behavior seen at Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina during the 2017 eclipse.
For details: How Do Animals React During a Solar Eclipse?
April’s total solar eclipse promises to be a scientific bonanza, thanks to new spacecraft and telescopes.
Video: The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has ideas on how to put an artistic spin into the eclipse experience:
NEWSnet Field Reports
NEWSnet Digital Content Manager Paula Wethington is located in Fremont, Ohio, and has the latest report on the eclipse.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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