Looking to experience the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse on April 8th? This guide has everything you need to know, whether you're chasing totality or celebrating locally in the DC area.
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, blocking its light. This can only happen under specific conditions:
- New Moon: The eclipse needs to coincide with a new moon, when the side of the moon facing Earth is dark.
- Alignment: The Moon must be perfectly aligned between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow onto a narrow path on Earth's surface.
- Lunar Orbit: The Moon's orbit is slightly tilted relative to Earth's, so total eclipses are relatively rare.
On April 8th, North America will witness a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun, plunging the day into darkness for a brief period. This is a rare event, with the last one occurring in 2017 and the next not until 2044.
Can I See the Total Eclipse from DC?
Unfortunately, Washington D.C. won't experience totality. The eclipse will reach around 87.3% coverage here, offering a significantly dimmed sun but not complete darkness.
Where Can I Travel to See Totality?
The closest places to DC for totality are Erie, Pennsylvania (3 hours, 42 minutes) and Cleveland, Ohio (6 hours). Totality will last for over 3 minutes in both locations, offering a breathtaking celestial spectacle. Lodging is filling up fast, so book your stay soon!
Local Eclipse Events in DC
Even without totality, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the eclipse in DC:
- National Air and Space Museum: Enjoy a celestial festival on the National Mall with telescopes and activities, or view the eclipse through telescopes at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
- Turner Farm Observatory: Learn about the science behind the eclipse and view it through telescopes with a special event.
- Group Viewing Sessions: Join eclipse-watching events with telescopes at Gateway Park in Arlington and Observatory Park in Gaithersburg.
- Free Eclipse Party: Head to Deck 11, the rooftop bar on Capitol Hill, for drinks, snacks, and eclipse glasses while supplies last.
Where to Find Eclipse Glasses
Safety is paramount when viewing a solar eclipse. Only use eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Here's where to find safe glasses:
- National Air and Space Museum (starting late March)
- Online retailers vetted by the American Astronomical Society
Citizen Science Projects
Participate in NASA's eclipse-related citizen science projects! Contribute to the Eclipse Soundscapes Project by capturing audio recordings before, during, and after the eclipse. Or, share your eclipse photos on the SunSketcher app to help researchers create a global image database.
Start Celebrating Early!
Get ready for the eclipse with these events:
- Speaker Discussion at DC9: Discuss the eclipse with experts, enjoy trivia, and get free eclipse glasses on March 20th.
- Space Movie Screenings: Catch space-themed movies like The Martian and Arrival at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library through April 1st.
- Eclipse Talk at Shaw Neighborhood Library: Learn about the eclipse experience and safety precautions from an Air and Space Museum curator on March 26th.
- Eclipse Prep Day at Air and Space Museum: Take your kids to a fun and educational program about the eclipse on April 6th.
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event! Whether you travel to see totality or celebrate locally, the 2024 solar eclipse is sure to be an unforgettable experience.