Guide to Viewing the April 8 Solar Eclipse

On the afternoon of April 8, 2024, a very rare total eclipse of the sun will be visible in the United States. Nearly the entire country will be able to see a partial solar eclipse that lasts over an hour as the moon slowly moves in front of the sun. In a few places, the sun will be completely blocked out for a few minutes.

What will the sun look like during the eclipse from Elon?

In Elon and throughout Alamance County, starting at 2 p.m., people will see a partial eclipse with a maximum of 81% of the sun covered by the moon.

Assuming clear skies, the Department of Physics will lead a safe viewing of the eclipse from 2 – 4 p.m. in front of Founders Hall by the SmartFlower solar array. Up to 500 pairs of eclipse glasses will be available at the Founders Hall viewing site.

Where do I need to go to see the total solar eclipse?

You’ll need to be in the “path of totality” to see a total eclipse. This is a narrow line that stretches from Texas to Maine. From North Carolina, in order to see the total solar eclipse, the closest state to drive to is Ohio.

Interactive maps are available from the National Solar Observatory.

Where can I get eclipse glasses?

Do NOT look at a partial eclipse without eclipse glasses! Only the total eclipse is safe to view without glasses.

Reliable eclipse glasses can be purchased online from one of the many vendors approved by the American Astronomical Society. Supplies are running low nationwide, and unsafe “counterfeit” glasses are being sold, so be certain to order these early.

Elon students and the campus community can get solar eclipse glasses at the April 8 viewing event in front of Founders Hall.

For people watching the eclipse from North Carolina, having one pair of eclipse glasses shared in a household should suffice since the partial eclipse phase will last over an hour.

What if I don’t have eclipse glasses?

While you should not look at the partial eclipse without eclipse glasses, you can project an image of the sun to see its shape. NASA provides these instructions on making your own “pinhole” projector.

Where can I learn more about the eclipses?

Elon students can register for a wide variety of astronomy classes offered by the Department of Physics, including Introduction to Astronomy, Planetary Astronomy, and Galactic Astronomy.

The best general resources for the eclipse are offered by NASA and the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) AstroShop offers educational eclipse materials to teachers and the public.