Where to get eclipse glasses to experience the total solar eclipse safely in Kentucky
An awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime celestial event is right around the corner, and you won’t want to miss it. And with preparation and the right tools, you won’t have to.
A solar eclipse, taking place this spring, will likely knock your socks off, as the moon completely blocks out the sun, turning daytime to pitch black. Only occurring for a short period, the total eclipse will be visible in various parts of Kentucky and Indiana, near to or in the path of totality.
When is the 2024 total solar eclipse?
The upcoming solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, across North America, passing over parts of Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Where will the 2024 solar eclipse be visible?
According to NASA, Mexico’s Pacific coast will first experience the eclipse around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse path will then enter the U.S. in Texas, traveling through the states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Main. Some parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also experience the phenomenon.
From there, the eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, traveling through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton before exiting North America on the Atlantic coast around 5:16 p.m. NDT in Newfoundland, Canada.
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Where can Kentucky residents purchase solar eclipse viewing glasses?
What Kentucky cities are in or near the path of totality?
According to American Paper Optics, some Kentucky locations are in and near the path of totality, and the two best places in the state to witness the phenomenon are Henderson and Paducah. In Henderson, residents will experience total darkness for slightly over two and a half minutes, while those in Paducah will get a minute and a half of totality.
Other locations include Arlington, Berkley, Cunningham, Dekoven, Euterpe, Farley, Geneva and more.
American Paper Optics, the leading manufacturer of 3D glasses and other 3D products, was the only company with CE- and ISO-certified eclipse glasses for the 2017 occurrence. The company produces both custom-made and ready-to-order eclipse glasses, available for purchase.
Where are the best nearby locations to watch the eclipse?
While Louisville isn’t on the path of totality, plenty of cities nearby and within driving distance are. To see the eclipse for longer durations, Indiana cities like Bloomington and Indianapolis are the place to be, with some of the longest periods of totality or darkness in the area.
Both Bloomington and Indianapolis are about a two-hour drive from Louisville.
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According to the Indiana University website, Bloomington is closest to the eclipse path’s center line, and it will be visible at around 3:05 p.m. for slightly over four minutes. Meanwhile, Indianapolis will see the eclipse for slightly below four minutes beginning at 3:06 p.m.
How do you stay safe during a solar eclipse?
As reported by NASA, there are plenty of ways to stay safe while watching the eclipse. These include:
Use eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer to view the sun during partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
During the totality period, when no part of the sun is visible through the eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer, individuals can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection.
Once the sun reappears, place eclipse glasses back on or use the handheld solar viewer to continue watching.
Avoid using glasses or handheld viewers with binoculars, telescopes or cameras unless they have the proper solar filters.
If planning to watch an entire eclipse, wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to avoid skin damage.
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When is the next solar eclipse?
According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. following the April occurrence won’t be until Aug. 23, 2044. However, the next one to be visible in Indiana won’t take place until 2099, according to the IU website.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: The solar eclipse is near. Where to buy eclipse glasses
