During the solar eclipse, the daytime sky is set to darken in parts of the country as the Moon passes in front of the Sun and casts its shadow to fall on the Earth.
Yet, experts like AAA are urging drivers to take extra safety precautions and avoid the strong temptation to try and catch a glimpse of the eclipse while driving.
Fascination has long surrounded the dance of celestial bodies jockeying for position in the daytime sky.
The last total solar eclipse in the U.S. occurred in 2017 and was viewed by an estimated 215 million people – or 88% of the population, according to NASA.
With the solar eclipse’s path over North America estimated to be between 108 and 122 miles wide this year, the eclipse will pass over more cities and densely populated areas than in 2017, increasing the number of potential viewers.
Coming to a View Near You?
Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA.
The path of the eclipse will leave Mexico and enter the U.S. in Texas. From there it will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT.
Whether viewers are in the path of totality - where the Moon mostly blocks the Sun revealing just the outer atmosphere - or in locations revealing less of the eclipse, experts encourage everyone to take steps to protect their vision.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests wearing eclipse glasses with certified solar filters, making a pinhole viewer to watch the eclipse indirectly or viewing a live stream of the eclipse.
Driving During the Eclipse
Drivers are encouraged to avoid travel during the eclipse, but if you do plan to drive, AAA offers these tips:
- Keep headlights on.
- Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun.
- Do NOT wear eclipse glasses while driving.
- Do NOT try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving.
- Do NOT pull over to the side of the road, highway or interstate to view the eclipse.
- Exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse.
- Be mindful of pedestrians who may be walking around with their eyes on the sky.
If you miss out on Monday’s solar eclipse, take heart. The next total solar eclipse will be visible in Montana and North Dakota in August 2044. However, NASA predicts the next coast-to-coast total solar eclipse will not occur until 2045.
For more information about the total solar eclipse, visit NASA’s website.
By the Move Ahead Staff
Sue Maier
Ready,Gov
