On April 8, 2024 the solar eclipse will spread across America. The solar eclipse is when the moon completely covers the moon and the sky will darken completely.

During the eclipse you should wear special glasses to protect your eyes, although the sun is covered it is still harmful to look at. Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.

When the moon is ecliptic it is known as the lunar node. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely obscuring the face of the sun. These solar eclipses are possible because the diameter of the sun is about 400 times that of the moon, but also approximately 400 times farther away. “That is crazy how far this really happens from us.” Ady Casey said.

Approximately twice a year we experience an eclipse season. This is when the new moon aligns itself in such a way that it eclipses the sun. An annular solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and Earth when it is near its farthest point from Earth. This is when the moon appears smaller than the sun and doesn’t cover the entire face of the sun. Instead, a ring of light is created around the moon. 

A partial solar eclipse is when the sun is between the sun and the earth three are not perfectly aligned. The result of this is a shadow passing over you. This is more rare than the usual solar eclipse when the moon just passes over the sun.

Many kids may not remember the last time they saw a solar eclipse. “Last time I saw one I was in 4th grade.” Eva Johnson stated. Johnson was asked what she remembered about it. “I remember it was really cool and I’ve never seen something like it before.” But this year should be a more memorable one for kids in high school being that they are old enough to remember.