4 April 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local astronomer is chiming in with some handy tips to help Kansans get the most out of the upcoming solar eclipse next week.
A solar eclipse will cover much of the U.S. in darkness on Monday, April 8 as it passes overhead. Kansas doesn’t lie in the direct path of totality but many can expect to see around 80-90% of it depending on where they live in the state.
KSNT 27 News consulted NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Brenda Culbertson to learn how Kansans can get the most out of their eclipse experience this year. She was at Gage Park in Topeka recently informing people how to watch the eclipse safely. Check out the questions/answers below for tips to help you enjoy the eclipse this year.
Q: What should people bring with them when watching the eclipse?
“Since the whole eclipse, as viewed from northeast Kansas, will last around two-and-a-half hours, people should be comfortable. A place to sit and lean back is recommended over standing. Some people lose balance when they stand and look up. If a person plans to use eclipse glasses, it is important to make sure they are ready and not damaged. People do not need to watch continuously through the whole time, so viewing it every few minutes should provide a good experience. If people plan to photograph the eclipse, their camera equipment, along with solar filter, should be double-checked as well.”
Q: What should people do on the day of the eclipse to ensure they can get the best out of the event?
“People should check weather predictions ahead of time, but not too far ahead. Kansas weather is fickle. Have a place from where to watch/experience the eclipse, and set up a bit ahead of time. The eclipse begins around 12:39, Monday, April 8, so being ready a couple minutes ahead of time is good, so that first contact is not missed.”
Q: Why is it important to wear eclipse glasses to watch the eclipse?
“Eclipse glasses, eclipse viewers, and other solar filters are necessary so that eyes are not damaged. Mylar snack bags are not safe, welding hoods are not safe, sunglasses are not safe to use for observing the solar eclipse.”
Q: Where can people expect to see the most of the eclipse while still in the state? The least?
“The southeast corner of Kansas will see much more of the eclipse than the northwest corner. Northeast Kansas will see a partial eclipse of about 90%.”
Q: Is there anything else people should know ahead of time before the eclipse arrives?
“People do not need to go to any special place to view the eclipse. All that is needed is a clear view of the solar disc, and people should have their eclipse glasses, or they should use a projection method for safe observing.”
This solar eclipse is somewhat rare as the next one to pass above the continental U.S. won’t occur for another two decades. This has prompted some Kansans to find better viewing spots outside the state to catch this opportunity before its gone. If you can’t get outside Kansas, but want to experience the eclipse in the presence of astronomers or new friends, check out this list of eclipse watch parties happening across the state.
Alternatively, NASA will have a livestream up on the day of the eclipse. You can find it on NASA’s website by clicking here or going to YouTube.
The eclipse will be completely viewable from parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada in April. To see the full eclipse next month in the U.S., you’d have to go to Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine. Learn more about the eclipse by clicking here.
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