On April 8, 2024, UNITED STATES will experience an astronomical phenomenon of great importance: a total solar eclipse darkens the sky along a path that will extend from the Pacific coast of Mexico northeast of Canadastarting around 2:07 p.m. and ending at 5:19 p.m. local time. new York.

This event, which will cross several American states, represents a unique opportunity for millions of peoplesince the next total solar eclipse visible from the United States will not occur until August 23, 2044. According to the JARAbout 31.6 million people live in the path of totality, a band about 320 kilometers wide where the eclipse will be visible in its total phase.

During this phenomenon, the moon passes between the To land and the sun, completely blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the planet. “When the moon completely hides the sun, a total solar eclipse», Explained NASA on its website.

It should be noted that as of August 2017, UNITED STATES witnessed a total solar eclipse, the first to cross the entire continent in almost 100 years. Most recently, in October 2023, an annular solar eclipse was observed, in which the sun was not completely covered, as also detailed by the space agency.

He path of the 2024 eclipse will bring darkness across towns like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansasthen will advance towards the states further north and east gradually Illinois, Kentucky, IndianaAnd Ohio. Subsequently, the regions of Pennsylvania And new York will know the phenomenon before it heads towards Vermont, New Hampshire And Maineto finally leave the American continent towards Canada around 4:25 p.m.

For those wishing to witness the eclipse, it is crucial to take safety measures to protect your eyesight. “It is important to use eclipse protection glasses to avoid eye injuries”underlined the JAR. “Except during the brief total eclipse phaseWhen the Moon completely blocks the bright side of the Sun, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar observation,” the experts warned.

For this, the use of eclipse glasses is required, much darker than ordinary sunglasses and must meet the international standard. ISO 12312-2is essential to avoid eye injuries.

The partial phases of the eclipse, that period before and after totality, require the same attention to visual safety. “Looking at any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars or telescope without a special solar filter on the front of the optics will instantly cause serious eye injury.”warned the JAR.

For those without access to eclipse glasses or solar finders, indirect viewing methods are recommended, such as the pinhole projector, which allows you to safely observe the image of the Sun projected onto a nearby surface .

In addition to eye protection, skin safety becomes important due to the prolonged exposure to the Sun involved in observing an eclipse. Applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and protective clothing are essential measures to prevent skin damage. “If you observe a complete eclipse, you could be in direct sunlight for hours” published by the American space agency.