Eclipse guide for Polk County: Mostly sunny weather predicted for Monday's partial eclipse
The weather will likely be favorable Monday afternoon for Polk County residents planning to view the partial solar eclipse.
The forecast for Central Florida projects mostly sunny conditions for the time when the eclipse will be noticeable here, between 1:44 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., said Paul Close, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Ruskin station in Hillsborough County.
“It looks like should be a good day – a warm day – not too many clouds,” Close said. “A few clouds here and there, but it should be decent.”
The moon will cover roughly 57% of the sun at the peak of the eclipse as viewed from Polk County. The eclipse will be total in a wide swath from Texas stretching northward to Maine, but the weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions in much of that range.
Experts warn against looking directly at the sun, even during the partial eclipse, as that can cause permanent vision damage.
When is the total solar eclipse in April 2024?
The total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday, April 8, 2024. The total eclipse will hit the coast of Mexico on April 8, about 11:07 a.m. PDT and leave the continental North America at 5:16 NDT.
The partial eclipse will begin first as the edge of the moon becomes visible, and then about an hour and 20 minutes later the totality will begin and last for three or four minutes before the sun begins to appear again.
Which states will see the total solar eclipse?
Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, plus parts of Tennessee and Michigan, are all in the 115-mile-wide path of totality.
To see the exact path of totality, check out an interactive map created by French eclipse expert Xavier Jubier.
How much of the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible in Florida?
Florida is not in the path of totality for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, so residents won't see the moon completely block the sun. Residents will see a partial eclipse, though.
Depending on your location, anywhere from 54% to 82% of the sun will be blocked.
What time will the April 8 eclipse be visible in Florida?
Depending on what part of Florida you’re in, residents should start to see the eclipse beginning about 1:35 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2024, with the midpoint at 2:55 p.m.
Where are the best places to see the eclipse in Florida?
Pensacola will be treated to a spectacular partial eclipse of just over 80% coverage at the midpoint, according to eclipse2024.com, but if you want to see the most eclipse possible within state lines you'll need to head to Pineville (82.4%), Bratt (82.3%), or Walnut Hill (82.2%).
The farther south or southeast you go, the less of an eclipse you'll see. Tallahassee will get 75.4% coverage, Jacksonville about 70%. Central Florida across the state will be in the mid-50% to 60% range. Southwestern Florida will see about 60% of the sun blocked, Palm Beach 58%, Miami 55.7%, and down in the Keys it'll be 55.1%.
Here's where to watch the solar eclipse
Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, will host an eclipse viewing party. The Lake Wales attraction will provide glasses to guests as supplies last. The park also will give out viewing ports, cardboard boxes that allow the image of the moon crossing the sun to be seen safely against a white background. Adult general admission is $20, Children $10 (ages 6-17), children 5 and younger are free. Dogs are $10. The Imperial Polk Astronomy Society is not hosting an event, as some members will be traveling to watch the eclipse at sites within the zone of totality.
The Haines City Public Library will host an eclipse viewing party on Monday. Eclipse glasses will be included in the celebration. There will be crafts and fun activities. The library is located at 111 N. 6th St.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at the Orlando Science Center - 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
Partial Eclipse and Earth Day Celebration at Kennedy Space Center - Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
There Goes the Sun: Solar Eclipse Viewing at Palm Beach Gardens - Mirasol Park, 12385 Jog Road
Solar Eclipse viewing at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium - 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Eclipse Viewing at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium - 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Eclipse viewing at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science - 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Do you know of some local watch parties? Please let us know at calendar@starbanner.com
Don't forget your glasses to watch the eclipse
NASA warns viewing any part of the sun with binoculars, a telescope or through a camera lens without a special-purpose solar filter or with your bare eyes without solar viewing glasses can result in severe eye injury.
While you might already have your eclipse glasses ready to go — take care to watch out for fake glasses — you might still be looking for the perfect place to view the major celestial event.
American Astronomical Society’s website shares a curated list of approved vendors for eclipse glasses. Check the list before purchasing any.
Free solar eclipse glasses are also typically given out by local libraries, schools and observatories. These locations might have limited supplies, so it's best to call ahead to see if they have any available.
USA TODAY-Network Florida's C.A. Bridges contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Mostly sunny weather predicted for Polk during eclipse | Your guide
