On April 8th, 2023, North America will be treated to one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical events: a total solar eclipse. This rare event occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking out the Sun’s light and casting a shadow on the Earth.
What makes this particular solar eclipse so special is the path it will take across North America. It will begin over the Pacific Ocean and make landfall in Oregon, before traveling southeastward across the United States and ending in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. This path will allow millions of people in the United States and Canada to witness the eclipse in its totality, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
The eclipse will first be visible in the early morning hours in the Pacific Northwest, with totality occurring in Salem, Oregon, at around 10:18 a.m. local time. From there, the eclipse will pass through Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. The path of totality will be approximately 70 miles wide and will pass through several major cities, including Kansas City, St. Louis, Nashville, and Charleston.
For those lucky enough to be in the path of totality, the experience will be truly unforgettable. As the Moon passes in front of the Sun, the sky will darken, and the temperature will drop. Stars and planets will become visible, and the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere, will be visible as a glowing halo around the blocked-out Sun. It is a breathtaking sight that cannot be adequately described in words.
Of course, witnessing a solar eclipse requires proper eye protection. Looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. Special eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be used to view the eclipse safely.
The 2023 solar eclipse is a rare event that should not be missed. Start planning your viewing location now, as hotels and campsites in the path of totality are likely to fill up quickly. Whether you’re a seasoned eclipse chaser or a first-time viewer, this is an event that you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day that you’ll never forget.
