Photo credit: Bill Ingalls/NASAOn April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse passing over North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Some parts of Massachusetts, including Shrewsbury, will see more than 90% coverage of the sun.
This eclipse will be a total solar eclipse, and it’ll be the last one visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun entirely and making the sky go dark.
Where & when
In Shrewsbury, the eclipse will be a deep partial one, with around 93.6% coverage expected at its peak at 3:29 PM. The eclipse will start in Shrewsbury around 2:15 PM.
Starting in the South Pacific Ocean, the eclipse will sweep across North America. It’ll begin on Mexico’s Pacific coast around 11:07 a.m. PDT and then pass through various U.S. states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Staying safe
Looking directly at the Sun, except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, is dangerous. Without proper eye protection specifically designed for solar viewing, viewing the bright Sun through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes can cause severe eye damage. During partial phases, always use safe solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers, or use indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors.
NASA provides a highly detailed website where individuals can access extensive information and follow recommended safety precautions.
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