It is still early enough to plan for the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. This astronomical event rarely happens, so you will want to be prepared! Here is your guide to everything you need to know to maximize your enjoyment. Bloomsburg, PA, is on the path to see 94.5% of the eclipse, which is more than enough to get the full effect.
Plan a party, get out your special glasses, and be prepared for an eerie experience. In ancient cultures, people believed that the sun was being consumed by evil and that the world was ending. We have come to understand the science around eclipses, but it is still a spectacle and a once-in-a-lifetime event.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. The moon’s shadow either partially or fully blocks the sun’s light. Solar eclipses can only happen during the new moon phase when the moon is closest to the earth’s orbit. A total solar eclipse is only visible on Earth in a tiny path. Although these eclipses happen, on average, every 18 months, they repeat at the exact location only once every 360 to 410 years.
When Will this Eclipse Happen?
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The next time a total solar eclipse will cross much of the United States is August 2045, and it does not pass the Eastern Seaboard.
The April 2024 Eclipse will pass through Bloomsburg, PA, beginning at 2:06:55 pm. At 3:22:29 pm, the moon will cover the maximum amount of the sun. You can see a simulation of the eclipse in Bloomsburg.
Why Do I Have to Wear Special Glasses?
NASA recommends that you wear specialized eye protection for viewing the solar eclipse. There is only one moment when it is safe to remove them: when the sun is completely covered. The sun will not be totally covered in Bloomsburg, so you should plan on specialized eye protection for the entire viewing time.
Make sure your eye protection complies with international standards. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe. There are additional indirect methods for viewing the eclipse. Special lenses are required for cameras, telescopes, or binoculars.
Start Planning Now
Now that our April 2024 Solar Eclipse guide has given you the date and time, you can start planning to experience it! Many areas that are in the path of the eclipse are already booked. Do be aware that if the weather is cloudy or rainy, you will not be able to experience the eclipse’s effect.
The Inn at Turkey Hill can offer you both a great place to stay overnight. Plan on relaxing at the Turkey Hill Brewing Company with a few brews while you wait for the sun to disappear. There is plenty to do in the area on a bright April day, like hiking, biking, or spending the morning antiquing.