ICYMI, THERE’S AN ECLIPSE ON MONDAY!!! READ BALLZER’S SKY NERD TIPS
Written by Ballzer on April 4, 2024
If you listen to the Morning Buzz, I’m sure you’ve heard. I may have mentioned it a time or two 😉
If you’re not as obsessed with the sky as I am, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking out some or all of the sun’s light from the part of Earth in that shadow. This can make it look like the sun is partially or completely covered by the moon, creating a temporary darkening of the sky.
I am so freaking excited for this celestial event! I went to Nebraska to see the 2017 eclipse in totality and it was beyond epic. The feature image here is a panorama while coming out of totality, one of only 2 pictures I took during that eclipse because I was so focused on experiencing it.
Seriously, if you’re able, blow off adulting and drive down to Illinois or Indiana to get in the path, you won’t be sorry. After Monday, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044.
If you’re not able to travel, the Coulee Region will have a partial eclipse, most likely 80-85% eclipsed, which is still a sight to see. You be able to see the beginning of the partial eclipse at 10:42 am with the maximum eclipse at 1:17 p.m. and ending at 3:52 p.m.
Speaking of viewing the eclipse, GET ECLIPSE GLASSES! Legitimate eclipse glasses are at least 1,000 times darker than the darkest sunglasses you can buy, so no, sunglasses isn’t enough. Earlier this week, I shared info about “eclipse blindness” that you can read up on HERE. How do you know if they’re real? Scientific American posted a great article with some tips. My friend asked me this week if they expire, which I thought was ridiculous when she asked. Welp, turns out they’re only good for 3 years?
@z93lacrosse SO ready for the #solar #eclipse ???? #eclipseglasses #solareclipse2024 #totaleclipseofheart ♬ Total Eclipse of the Heart (Radio Version) – Bonnie Tyler
WIZM News spoke with local astronomer Bob Allen this week and a mention of the viewing scheduled at La Crosse’s Riverside Park HERE.
Learn more from NASA HERE, geek stats from Time and Date HERE, and check out the Great American Eclipse website HERE. AND if you Google “eclipse” there’s a really cool animation right now. Do it 😉
