As the United States gears up to witness the awe-striking spectacle of a total solar eclipse on April 8, Arizonans are preparing to catch a glimpse of the rare celestial event. According to 12 News, the eclipse will kick off at 10:08 a.m. in Arizona and is expected to last until around 12:35 p.m., with the peak moment occurring at 11:20 a.m. While the state is not directly in the path of totality, regions in the southeast are set to experience up to 75% coverage.
The phenomenon causing daytime darkness happens as the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over specific areas. While solar eclipses typically happen twice a year, the opportunity to fully witness one directly is considerably rarer. As pointed out by AZ Family, the upcoming total solar eclipse promises to bring total darkness to important cities further along its path, including Dallas and Cleveland.
Despite Arizona missing out on total darkness, locales such as Tucson, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista can anticipate more substantial coverage when compared to their northwestern counterparts. 12 News mentioned, "Areas further southeast... will see greater coverage," whereas "the northwestern part of the state... will see less."
The weather could play a decisive role in viewing conditions. History has shown that around 20% of the time since the turn of the millennium, Arizona has experienced cloudy weather on days of solar eclipses. Enthusiasts throughout the state are undoubtedly hoping that Arizona lives up to its moniker, the Valley of the Sun, to provide optimal viewing conditions. However, observing this marvel requires caution. "Don't forget that eye protection is necessary during an eclipse," warned 12 News, underscoring the potential for retinal damage when looking directly at the sun without proper eyewear. During the moments of complete darkness or totality, it's safe briefly to look at the eclipse without protection, as asserted by NASA.
Preparation is key for those desiring to safely enjoy the eclipse. Special glasses designed to block out harmful solar radiation are essential. For more information on how to secure these glasses and discover optimal viewing locations within Arizona, interested parties are encouraged to visit the provided resources.
