The solar eclipse in America is an event that truly is “once in a lifetime.” OK. Maybe twice. (2017 and 2024) Unlike any other solar eclipses in history, the two eclipses over the USA are happening 7 years apart!
Prior to this, any location on earth that gets to see a TOTAL solar eclipse in its own skies is unlikely to ever have another one for at least 375 years. I kid you, not. Three hundred and seventy five years! So, this is rare, rare, rare. That is why lot of people are paying close attention with deep curiosity and, possibly, a little bit of fear.*
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I live in western New York and we are in the path of totality this time around. The only place on the globe that gets to be in the pathway of totality for both eclipses is Carbondale, Illinois. They are smack dab in the middle of the X that covers the USA. That X is the shadow of the eclipse where everyone get to see it “total.” Those in the USA who are not in the X still can see it but it will be “partial.”
So, let’s think about how to make this amazing once-in-a-lifetime celestial event a party!
Safety First
Looking into a solar eclipse is very dangerous for our eyes. Children and adults, alike, should NEVER look straight into a solar eclipse. There are ways to make it safe to view, including using special certified “eclipse glasses.” More about this: How To Watch A Solar Eclipse Safely.
Plan Ahead
If you will be going to a location where the solar eclipse will be in totality, a lot of other people will, too. Plan for gridlock. Many areas in the country are preparing for thousands of extra cars and vehicles coming for one day’s excitement.
My city estimates a possible 350,000 cars will show up that day. If they all have 2 or more passengers then the roadways are not the only places that will feel the crunch. Restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations will all be taxed with extra population. Urgent care facilities and hospitals could also have more people to care for than usual. Eclipses attract a crowd.
If you are traveling, you will want to be sure to have plenty of drinking water and snacks. Bring your meds, simple first aid supplies, extra cash, jackets, hats, charging cords for your phones, and emergency travel supplies in case you are going a distance. Bring too much and hope you don’t need it.
You may want to bring lawn chairs, as well, and a cooler with some “real food,” too.
Enjoy the Eclipse with Friends and Family!
You can plan to host a little “staycation” if you have an open yard or field. Invite a few people over for a little afternoon potluck picnic with some games for the kids or even an educational story.
I found this Total Solar Eclipse storybook on Amazon that looks cute. It seems to have a fun friendship theme with some scientific information about what an eclipse is and how it happens. For a one-time event, the price is not bad, either.
Or you can find a video that explains it for kids, like this one from NASA Space Place!
Remember to have enough certified solar eclipse glasses for everybody, even your tiniest little ones. Protect their eyes when outdoors or keep the kids in the house!
The Weather
What if the sky is cloudy? You can all view it online. There will be livestreams of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Total Solar Eclipse: How To Watch Online Livestream for FREE
Got any other fun ideas for the solar eclipse? Share it in the comments below!
How to have FUN for the Total Solar Eclipse! #solareclipse2024 #familyfun #tunein Share on X
Enjoy!
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Solar Eclipse storybook for kids on Amazon! ad
I’m in Western NY too (Seneca Falls) and we are so excited for next week! We have our glasses and are planning a fun afternoon with the kids.