BBAA | Solar Eclipse

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A solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, causing the moon to cast a shadow on the Earth.

The Maps!

Excellent interactive map of the Total Solar Eclipse courtesy of Xavier Jubier

National Solar Observatory (NSO)

NASA Eclipse Site

Annular Solar Eclipse - October 14th, 2023

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is farther away from the Earth in its orbit and appears smaller in the sky, so it is not able to completely cover the sun's disk. This results in a "ring of fire" appearance around the moon, with a bright ring of sunlight visible around the edges of the moon. The annular solar eclipse that will occur in 2023 is set to take place on October 14th and will be visible from parts of North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Africa. The path of the eclipse will begin in the Atlantic Ocean and pass through parts of Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America, before ending in the Caribbean Sea. During an annular eclipse, it is important to use proper eye protection when viewing the event, as looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. Special eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be used to safely view the eclipse.

Annular solar eclipse of May 20, 2012

Brocken Inaglory

Solar eclipse on May 20, 2012. Taken from Red Bluff, California.

USA - Annular Eclipse on October 14, 2023, Credit: Shadow & Substance

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Total Solar Eclipse - April 8th, 2024

A total solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, causing the moon to cast a shadow on the Earth. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States, including a narrow path of totality that will stretch from Texas to Maine. This will be the first total solar eclipse to pass over the continental United States since 2017, and it is expected to be a major event for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts. During a total solar eclipse, it is important to use proper eye protection when viewing the event, as looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. Special eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers can be used to safely view the eclipse.

Total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017

Kent Blackwell

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

2024 USA Eclipse on April 8, 2024, Credit: Shadow & Substance

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What to Expect

During the eclipse, the moon will completely block out the sun's light for a few minutes, creating a "totality" effect that can only be seen within the path of the moon's shadow. Outside of this path, a partial eclipse will be visible. The duration of the total eclipse will vary depending on location, with the longest duration of totality occurring in southern Illinois (4 minutes and 27 seconds).

Diagram of a solar eclipse

SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY

It is important to use proper eye protection when viewing the eclipse, as looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. Special eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers can be used to safely view the event. In 2017 it was very hard and expensive for the public to get eclipse glasses so in preparation for the eclipses in 2023 and 2024 the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers purchased a order of eclipse glasses to sell for $1.00 each. The glasses we purchased are ISO certified from the well known and respected company, American Paper Optics. They can be purchased from any of the club officers at our events or in the BBAA store. If shipping is required it will be extra and from the quotes we looked at, expensive, so please plan accordingly. Your purchase directly funds the operation of this club and our annual scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

BBAA Branded Solar Eclipse Glasses (ISO Certified)

Weather Forecast Predictions for the Solar Eclipse

Clear Sky Chart forecast and eclipse information for various locations within the path of totality courtesy the Norfolk Astronomy Society

CSC Weather Along Solar Eclipse Path

Where to View the Eclipse

The best places to view the eclipse will be within the path of totality, which will pass through the following states:

Texas
Missouri
Illinois
Indiana
Ohio
Pennsylvania
New York
Vermont
New Hampshire
Maine

Solar eclipse paths for 2023 and 2024

Click on map for a very large view

If you are outside of this path, you can still see a partial eclipse. Check with your local astronomy club or planetarium for viewing events and tips on where to watch the eclipse in your area. To find your local astronomy club you can visit NASA's Night Sky Network. Enter your zipcode and all of the astronomy clubs local to you will be listed as well as any upcoming events.

Photos of Previous Solar Eclipses

To get a sense of what you might see during the upcoming eclipse, check out these stunning photos of previous solar eclipses, courtesy of NASA and BBAA club members:

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