What is a solar eclipse? An eclipse is when the moon blocks any part of the sun from our view. During the upcoming total eclipse, the moon will fully cover the sun, and daylight will turn to darkness, if only for a few minutes. Watching a solar eclipse is a memorable experience. In fact, according to the National Park Service, the next opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse over the United States will be in 2044! But staring at the sun for a short time without wearing the right eye protection can permanently damage your retina and cause blindness.
When is the next solar eclipse? The next total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024. The best places to see this eclipse in Oklahoma are in the southeastern part of the state near Boswell, Antlers, Hugo, Poteau, Broken Bow, and Idabel, as they fall directly in the path of the moon’s shadow.
How to watch a solar eclipse safely? There is only one safe way to look directly at the sun: through special solar filters, also known as eclipse glasses. Typical sunglasses or homemade filters are not safe for looking at the sun.
Carefully look at your solar filter glasses before using them to check for defects. When in doubt, throw them out. Always read and follow the directions that come with your solar glasses. Help children to be sure they are using them correctly. Place your solar filter glasses on before looking directly at the sun and remove them only after completely looking away.
Never look at the sun or partial eclipses through an unfiltered camera, telescope,
binoculars, or similar unfiltered devices. This is important even if you are wearing eclipse glasses simultaneously. The intense solar rays from these devices will damage your glasses and eyes. Make sure you have the proper equipment filters.
**The ONLY time you can look at the sun without a solar viewer is during a total eclipse. When the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and suddenly gets dark, you can remove your solar filter to watch this unique experience. However, as soon as the bright sun reappears, you must replace your solar filter glasses immediately to watch the remaining phases of the eclipse.
According to eclipse2024.org, Tahlequah will appreciate a 97.5% deep partial eclipse that begins at 12:31 pm and peaks at 1:50 pm.
Remember, don’t forget to purchase your solar eclipse glasses before watching this phenomenon because your next chance for an eclipse of this magnitude is in 20 years!
Stop by and pick up your iso certified eclipse glasses, supply’s are limited so don’t hesitate!
1 for $4 • 2 for $6 • 4 for $10