A Guide to the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
The total solar eclipse on 21 August 2017, as seen from Idaho. About 159 minutes after first contact. Note dark sunspots on the surface. Yellow filtration for visual interest. (Photo by: Jon G. Fuller, Jr./VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming total solar eclipse happening on April 8th. I’ve always been interested in astronomy. I used to go to the Watchung Reservation’s Observatory to gaze at the moon and the stars. I could stare at them for hours trying to identify them by name. There’s just something so meditative about staring at the stars at night.
According to USA Today, the total solar eclipse happening on this April is a once-in-a-generation event. The reason we are gearing up for this event is because it’s a moment when day turns into night. We won’t get to experience another alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth for another couple of decades, until 2045 to be exact!
Now, when it comes to watching the eclipse itself, there are a few options. If you’re lucky enough to be within that narrow band stretching from Texas to Maine, you’re in for a real treat. I have a friend who will be heading to New Hampshire with her family to soak up the sun being completely blocked out by the moon.
If you’re not in the path of totality and are not going to take a road trip to be in its path like my friend Patty, don’t despair! Much of the U.S. will still catch a glimpse of the eclipse, in some form. It may not be as jaw-dropping as being in the direct path, but it’s still something we can witness and have a memory of.
When looking at the eclipse, remember you need some type of protective eyewear to safely observe the moon’s dance with the sun. Experts say we need to observe the eclipse through something that has pinholes. Even a colander that you use to strain your spaghetti in your kitchen sink would be safe for us to gaze through.
So, whether you’re planning a road trip to witness the total eclipse, or just stepping out into your backyard to catch a partial view, eclipse promises to be an unforgettable experience for any astronomy enthusiast like me!
7 Severe Weather Safety Tips That May Save Your Life
Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it’s part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I’ve certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?
Before we get to the main tips, let’s get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It’s simple but important. You don’t want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.
Another mistake some people make is not taking “watches” seriously. For example, you might see that there’s a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it’s just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don’t do it. “A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain,” the National Weather Service explains. We’ll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.
Let’s get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.
Meet Maryann, who has been chasing magic since the early 90s. Back then, she hosted a love and dedication show at nights on Magic. Talk about romantic vibes! Since then, she traded her evening slot for mornings. When she’s not talking to you on the air, she’s living the glamorous life of a chicken, duck, pigeon, and German Short-Haired Pointer mom. Since Joel can never follow what she says, there is an entire feature called " What are you Talking About" at 9:10. Running is her secret to staying out of trouble – or at least staying ahead of the extra pounds. She has a husband named Matt, and a son named Zack, who she says makes her world a little adventure.
