San Diegans can look forward to an extraordinary astronomical event on April 8, 2024, as a total solar eclipse graces the skies. This will be the last opportunity in 20 years for North America to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon, and San Diego County is fortunate to be included in the partial viewing experience.

The eclipse will commence by casting its shadow across Mexico as the moon perfectly aligns with the Earth and obscures the sun. It will then traverse through the United States, entering through Texas and creating a path of darkness that stretches northeast to Maine. Although San Diego is not in the "path of totality," residents can still enjoy a partial solar eclipse, with approximately 55% of the sun obscured.

According to Lisa Will, the resident astronomer at the Fleet Science Center, viewers in San Diego will notice a significant difference in the sun's appearance when observing the eclipse through proper safety glasses. She emphasizes the importance of using eclipse glasses or other safe viewing methods to protect one's eyes.

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow on our planet. There are total solar eclipses, where the sun is completely obscured, and annular solar eclipses, where the moon is farthest from Earth and fails to fully block out the sun. The previous annular solar eclipse occurred in October.

While 15 states will experience the total darkness of the eclipse, San Diego's angle will offer a partial total solar eclipse, making it one of the best places in California to witness the event. The next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. will not occur until August 23, 2044.

The eclipse's "path of totality" will begin in Southwest Texas and traverse through Oklahoma, the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and New England, before exiting into eastern Canada. During the period of totality, which lasts only a few minutes, the moon will completely obscure the sun. Alaska will experience totality in 2033, but the next contiguous U.S. eclipse will be in 2044, limited to Western Canada, Montana, and North Dakota. A coast-to-coast eclipse in the U.S. will not occur until 2045.

It is worth noting that even outside the "path of totality," most of the continent will be able to observe at least a partial eclipse. The extent of the sun's coverage will decrease the further one is from the path of totality. Seattle and Portland will witness approximately one-third of the sun being eclipsed, despite being far from the eclipse's direct path.

For those unable to witness the eclipse in person, NASA will provide a livestream of the event. In San Diego, the partial solar eclipse will commence at 10:03 a.m. PT, with the climax occurring at 11:11 a.m. The most thrilling moments will be visible between 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., and the eclipse will conclude at 12:23 p.m.

To ensure proper safety, NASA advises using eclipse glasses or alternate indirect viewing methods when observing the eclipse. Special eclipse glasses, with a mylar film that makes it safe to look at the sun, are available for purchase or distribution at various locations in San Diego County. Proper filters or projection techniques must be used when viewing the eclipse through a telescope.

Several events will be held across San Diego County to celebrate the eclipse, including a viewing party at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. Attendees can learn how to make their own solar viewers and watch a live stream of the total eclipse in the Fleet's IMAX theater.

Don't miss this rare celestial spectacle! Whether you have the opportunity to witness the eclipse firsthand or enjoy the live stream, ensure your safety by using appropriate viewing methods.