Total Solar Eclipse
A total solar eclipse is more than a pretty site to behold; it's a phenomenon that gives scientists the opportunity to study our nearest star, the sun. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse is one such event. Even though most of Michigan won't see totality, the sun will be about 95% covered in our area.
In Ingham County, the eclipse will start at 1:56 pm, peak at 3:12 pm and end at 4:25 pm. This spectacle of nature will be viewed by many, but safety precautions must be followed. It is never a good idea to look directly into the sun. When viewing a solar eclipse, it is important to take safety precautions to avoid long-term injury to the eyes.
According to NASA Science:
1. When watching a partial or annular solar eclipse directly with your eyes, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses (eclipse glasses) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times.
2. Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, no matter how dark are not safe for viewing the sun. Eclipse glasses should comply with the transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard.
3. Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched or otherwise damaged, discard the device.
4. Always supervise children using solar viewers.
5. Do NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewer with cameras, binoculars or telescopes, those require different types of solar filters.
Additional Resources:
2024 Eclipse Safety Sheet (English)
2024 Eclipse Safety Sheet (Spanish)
Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse (NASA)
Where to Get Solar Eclipse Glasses (America Academy of Ophthalmology)
