The big celestial event in the news is the total solar eclipse coming April 8, 2024, but we won’t get the full effect here in Florida. It’s still worth checking out though! We will get at least a partial eclipse view.

Not-So-Total Eclipse of the Florida Sun

On Monday, April 8, North America will witness a total solar eclipse, with different degrees of eclipsing depending on your location. This will be the first total eclipse since 2017. I remember seeing that one. I almost missed it, because I was looking in the wrong direction. So, make sure you know where to look and when!

Depending on where you are in the state, you’ll start to see the eclipse beginning about 1:35 PM with the midpoint at 2:55 PM.

This will be your last chance to see a total eclipse in North America for a while, as it won’t happen again until 2033. People located in the “path of totality” will get to see an awe-inspiring event where the moon completely blocks the sun, and everything goes dark. Unfortunately, the path is a narrow span of 115 miles wide, with Florida located off to the side. Florida will not be in the path of totality until August 12th, 2045.

The 115-mile-wide path of totality encompasses Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Additionally, parts of Tennessee and Michigan fall within this path.

Floridians in the Northwest corner of the state will have the best view, with the moon blocking around 82% of the sun. The farther south you are, the less you’ll see, with other areas coming in around 54% coverage.

How to Safely Watch the Solar Eclipse

You should know already that it’s not safe to stare directly at the sun, even with it being blocked by the moon. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe damage to the eyes, leading to vision impairment or permanent eye injury. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can harm the sensitive tissues of the eyes, including the retina.

During a solar eclipse, the moon partially blocks the sun’s rays, creating a phenomenon where the sun appears dimmer. However, this does not reduce the harmful effects of looking at the sun without proper eye protection. The remaining sunlight can still cause significant damage to the eyes if viewed directly.

To safely observe a solar eclipse, it is crucial to use special-purpose solar filters or eclipse glasses that meet international safety standards. These filters block harmful UV and infrared radiation, allowing you to view the eclipse without risking eye damage. Additionally, using telescopes, binoculars, or cameras equipped with solar filters is recommended for a magnified and safe viewing experience.

Good thing there are tons available on Amazon! I got a 6 Pack of Solar Eclipse glasses for just $10, so we are ready to watch it! And I’ll be sure to look in the right spot this year.

About the Author

Candy Keane is a digital content creator and long-time cosplayer, most well-known for being on the cover of the Star Wars documentary Jedi Junkies. After making costumes professionally for over a decade, she now writes about geek culture and mom life, and continues to cosplay for fun, while sharing her love of costumes on Instagram @SewGeekMama. Her first children’s book, I’m Going to My First Comic Convention, was published in 2020 and won a Story Monsters Approved award for Excellence in Literature.

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