Total solar eclipse photo credit: NASA
A big thanks to John Aviste from Edge on Science for sharing this Guide to the Solar Eclipse with us! Edge on Science hosts eleven different week-long, project-based summer camp programs in applied science and engineering at Endicott College, in Beverly and Lasell University in Newton. Camps are for kids ages 8-17 years old. Learn more at www.edgeonscience.com.
Monday, April 8th, the Moon’s shadow will touch down on the South Pacific Ocean and race in a northeasterly direction across our planet. This happens when the Moon comes between, and lines up with, the Earth and the Sun. From Earth, the Moon is seen to pass in front of the Sun creating an eclipse.
Photo credit: NASA
The NASA image above, has been rotated to show what Boston MA viewers, wearing eclipse glasses, will see on April 8 at 2:52 pm EDT. At maximum eclipse, however, a thin crescent of the Sun will still be visible.
Please note Solar eclipse glasses or a telescope fitted with a solar filter are the only safe ways to directly view the partially eclipsed Sun.
For a specially curated collection of solar eclipse explanations, musings, images, tips and resources be sure to check out the Edge on Science article: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
NASA has supported a citizen science opportunity for the budding scientist in your family! It is called SunSketcher. All you need is a smartphone and their free app to participate in a nation-wide recording of the eclipse. The goal is to reveal the exact shape and size of the Sun!