Eyes to the sky! Why is the total solar eclipse in April a must-see moment?
April 8, 2024 will be the last total solar eclipse to be seen in the contiguous United States for the next 20 years.
The upcoming solar eclipse, although as exciting and fun as it promises, also comes with an increasing number of safety warnings — both regarding what will happen in the sky and what will happen on Earth.
In late March, we heard warnings about a potential danger Fake eclipse glassesthe possibility of increasing car Crash Around the time of the eclipse and potential headaches in air travel due to delayed or canceled flights.
Safety is always a concern during a solar eclipse, when millions of people look to the sky as the moon passes in front of the sun. Looking at the spectacular event requires special glasses to prevent eye damage. In addition, tourists from all over the country will flock to a narrow strip of land stretching from Texas to Maine, the path of totality, where the moon's shadow will plunge the Earth into darkness.
Warning about fake eclipse glasses
“Counterfeit and imitation eclipse glasses pollute the market.” The American Astronomical Society announced in a statement In late March.
Using fake eclipse glasses — or no glasses at all — to look at the eclipse is dangerous for your eyes: Overexposure to the sun's rays “can cause severe eye injury, ranging from temporary double vision to permanent blindness,” the American Science Association said. They recommend purchasing from a vendor who has vetted and tested the glasses before the eclipse.
Here's how to find out If your glasses are legit.
It's also worth noting that you may be able to get a free pair of eclipse glasses.
Bad traffic and fatal traffic accidents
Traffic is expected to be bad and possibly deadly, especially after the eclipse ends. Millions of people will gather in the narrow path of totality, and then most will try to leave everyone at once once the eclipse is over.
Experts warn that the excitement could lead to dangerous traffic conditions and congestion of cars, as people congregate in the small part of the country with the best views.
Roads can be particularly congested Center of the eclipse path Americans who want the best view congregate in cities, towns and remote areas, where many lack the infrastructure needed to handle large crowds.
In Texas, which is expected to bear the brunt of the crowds, the state Transportation Department The company sets up signs on highways that say “No stopping on the highway to view the eclipse” and “No parking on the shoulder, keep moving.”
Crews in Texas also halted some road construction and maintenance on major corridors in the eclipse's path from April 7 to 9, based on traffic volume.
more: A total solar eclipse in April can snarl traffic for hours across thousands of miles
When a total solar eclipse passed over the United States in 2017, reports say some traffic jams did not completely clear for more than 12 hours in some areas.
Worse still, a recent study reported that the 2017 eclipse “was associated with an increased risk of fatal traffic accidents” – perhaps a 31% increase, The study said.
Air travel has also been affected
the Federal Aviation Administration The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides guidance for commercial and private aircraft ahead of the eclipse.
“Due to the high volume of traffic along the eclipse path, (airport) arrivals can expect long delays during peak traffic periods,” the FAA said.
The FAA said airports in Texas, Vermont, Maine, Canada, New Hampshire, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri will be primarily affected by the eclipse.
“The purpose of this notice is to inform pilots of potential impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse's path during the period from April 7, 2024 (6 a.m. EST) through April 10, 2024 (midnight EST),” the FAA said. He said.
more: What travelers should know about the FAA's warning about a total solar eclipse before April 8
Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse and Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY
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