In 2017, a solar eclipse crossed the Pacific Northwest, sparking popular interest in such astronomical events. After a seven-year gap, another coast-to-coast solar eclipse is set to take place, boosting interest and airfares to astronomical levels. The track of totality for this April 8 eclipse will not come close to the Pacific Northwest, but it extends from Mexico through the Midwest to the northeastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada. While it may be too late to book a trip to see totality in person, there are still options available to witness the event, including booking a last-minute trip to a location within driving distance of the path.
Even if you are not within the path of the total eclipse, you can still view a partial solar eclipse that will be visible throughout Canada, Mexico, and the Lower 48 states. It is important to make sure you view the eclipse safely, using certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods. The Seattle Public Library has been distributing free eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-served basis to patrons who ask for them. Indirect methods, such as making a pinhole camera, are also effective ways to view the eclipse.
Watching the eclipse online is another option for those unable to travel or who want to avoid the crowds and high costs associated with viewing totality in person. NASA will be providing wall-to-wall online coverage of the eclipse from over a dozen locations along the path of totality. The online coverage will include telescope feeds, experts discussing the science of the eclipse, and other sun-related science that NASA conducts. Live events at various locations will also be part of the online festivities, allowing viewers to experience the eclipse in real-time from different perspectives.
For those who miss the April 8 eclipse, there will be future opportunities to witness similar astronomical events. The next total solar eclipse will occur in 2026, tracing a path across the Arctic and the Atlantic to northern Spain. Another opportunity to see totality across the U.S. coast-to-coast will come in 2045. It is possible for viewers to catch these future eclipses in person or through online coverage, such as what NASA offers for the April 8 eclipse. By taking advantage of these options, you can experience the wonder of a solar eclipse from wherever you are located.
In conclusion, the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 is generating excitement and interest among skywatchers, even though the path of totality does not come close to the Pacific Northwest. While some may choose to hit the road to experience totality in person, others may opt to watch the eclipse online or view a partial eclipse from their own location. By taking proper safety precautions and utilizing certified viewing methods, you can enjoy the celestial event from a vantage point that suits your preferences. Whether you choose to travel, watch online, or view the eclipse from home, the spectacle of a solar eclipse is sure to captivate and inspire all who witness it.
