The best spots to watch the solar eclipse in Florida
The day of the Great North American Eclipse is here. Although Florida is not in the path of totality, parts of the state may view a partial solar eclipse.
The highly anticipated total solar eclipse is set to take place in the United States on Monday, April 8. NASA reports that the event will last four minutes and 26 seconds.
Given that only those located within the lunar shadow will have the opportunity to witness the complete eclipse, it will only be visible in certain regions of the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In the US, the states where totality will be visible include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Some portions of Tennessee and Michigan will have a limited view of the entire event, while the remaining states will experience a partial eclipse. Many sky watchers are eager to observe the phenomenon, as the next total solar eclipse is not expected in the country until 2044.
Florida will not be on the path of the eclipse’s totality, but people will be able to catch sight of a partial solar eclipse.
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The best spots to watch the solar eclipse in Florida
Astronomy enthusiasts across Florida will hold events so that people can watch the eclipse safely. The event will begin in the state around 1:35 p.m. EDT.
According to Eclipse2024.org, Bratt, Pineville, and Walnut Hill may observe around 82% coverage. Pensacola will also witness the partial eclipse, with approximately 80% of the sun being covered.
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As you head south, you will see less of the eclipse. Tallahassee may see the moon covering 75% of the sun, Jacksonville, around 70%. Palm Beach, Miami, and the Keys will only see a little more than half of the sun blocked, at 58%, 55.7%, and 55.1%, respectively.
Anyone planning to observe the eclipse in Florida should ensure they wear the right ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses and make certain they are not fake. Directly viewing the sun without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage.