CONNECTICUT, USA — A solar eclipse will happen this afternoon and while Connecticut is not in the path of totality (meaning the sun won't be completely covered), we'll still be able to see it!
But there are some things to know beforehand, especially regarding safety.
When and Where
The eclipse will happen on Monday, April 8. For Connecticut, it will begin at 2:13 p.m., peak at 3:27 p.m., and end at 4:37 p.m. Connecticut's peak coverage of the eclipse will be about 92%. You will have to head more west or north in order to get into the full path of totality.
Expect some high clouds while the weather remains favorable for this afternoon's eclipse. Still, it doesn't seem to be impacting too much of the view of the sun!
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Eclipse Glasses
This isn't a lunar eclipse, so your eyes need protection. Not every "eclipse glasses" on the market will do the job, however. There are specific safety qualifications you'll need to watch out for.
The only time it is safe to remove the glasses during the eclipse is during totality when the sun is completely shrouded. Before and after, certified eclipse glasses are essential to avoid eye damage. Because Connecticut will not be seeing 100% totality, it means the glasses stay on!
Cameras, binoculars, and telescopes must also be outfitted with special solar filters for safe viewing.
If you're not able to get your hands on eclipse glasses or need a last-minute solution, consider making a pinhole projector or shoebox viewer.
The American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force vetted sellers and compiled a list of trusted manufacturers and suppliers of eclipse glasses here. If you go to a grocery store or office supply chain that may carry the classes, be sure they meet the safety requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard.
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Eclipse Events
Are you looking to watch with a group of people? Check out these places for eclipse events;
There will be an eclipse viewing party at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. Activities will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the eclipse will occur in between. Tickets can be secured here.
Yale University's Leitner Family Observatory & Planetarium in New Haven will host a viewing event. A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available, so guests are advised to bring their own. Learn more about the event here.
The Western Connecticut State University is inviting the public to witness the partial solar eclipse on the WCSU Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. Weather permitting, astronomy instructors and volunteers will lead safe solar viewing and eclipse-related activities from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m. outside the Science Building. Maximum eclipse occurs about 3:26 p.m.
Imagine Nation Museum and Early Learning Center in Bristol will host an eclipse event beginning at 2:30 p.m. The program includes two hours of self-exploration and time to view the eclipse from the museum's patio. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Head to Camp Harkness, Harkness Memorial State Park, and Waterford Beach for the eclipse-watching event with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The event begins at 1 p.m. and lasts until 4:45 p.m. Parking will be available at Camp Harkness at 301 Great Neck Road. The event will also host a job fair! Learn more about the event here.
Mystic Seaport Museum's Treworgy Planetarium will have free activities for visitors to learn about eclipses ahead of the event. When the eclipse begins, guests can head to the Playscape across from the planetarium to pick up free kits that include safe glasses for viewing. Learn more about the event here.
Lyman Orchards in Middlefield will host an event from 1 to 5 p.m., during which kids can grab lunch, play games, and make their own eclipse chalk art. The first 70 people who show up will get free eclipse glasses with any Apple Barrel Farm Market purchase. Learn more about the event here.
View the eclipse from the water with the Connecticut River Museum in Essex! The event consists of a two-hour cruise from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., during which you can view the eclipse from the open decks of RiverQuest while cruising along the Connecticut River. The museum will provide glasses, and guests are asked to bring snacks and drinks. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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