Solar Eclipse April 8

On April 8, parts of North America will experience a total eclipse. This is an amazing opportunity that you may want to take part in.

The Glasgow City-County Library has solar-viewing glasses provided by the Montana State Library free of charge. The library also has some great material, adult and juvenile, relating to Solar Eclipses. Feel free to come and browse the stacks and pick up a pair of solar-viewing glasses!

A partial eclipse of the sun will be visible in all parts of North America. The total eclipse will only be visible over a path of 115 miles wide. The path of the eclipse will enter the U.S in southwest Texas and move northeastward, leaving the U.S. at the Gulf of Maine. The next total solar eclipse will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

During a total eclipse the moon moves between the sun and the earth, blocking all of the sun and the sky becomes dark. Scientists are able to see a part of the sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona, and have an opportunity to make new discoveries.

Safety is very important during any solar eclipse. Looking directly at the sun is unsafe. It is important to have proper eye protection when looking at an eclipse. Regular sunglasses, swimming goggles, and most camera filters are not safe for looking directly at the sun.