A solar eclipse will be visible in a path across North America today Monday, April 8, 2024, from Mexico to the US and Canada.
This is a rare opportunity to watch the moon block out the sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. After this event, the next total solar eclipse over the U.S. will not happen for another 20 years.
According to NASA the eclipse will start around 2:11pm and last until 4:36pm in Connecticut.
But it’s important to remember that the rays of the sun can be destructive to your vision, so keep your eyes safe when viewing the eclipse. According to the National Institutes of Health viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
Remember a solar eclipse can only be viewed safely by looking through special-purpose solar filters. These filters must meet an international standard. They must have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere in the product, and not be older than three years or have any scratches on the lenses.
Please be extra careful with children when and if viewing the eclipse. Also remember, looking directly at the sun can be harmful to animals, as it is to humans, although you shouldn’t be too worried during the eclipse because animals do not naturally look at the sun—and we definitely should not encourage them to do so.
Thank you. Be safe and God Bless you all.
