2024 Solar Eclipse on Delmarva: Everything you need to know

DELMARVA – The Solar Eclipse of 2024 will occur on the afternoon of Monday, April 8th. Although 100% totality (full eclipse) will not be visible on Delmarva, we will still experience a partial eclipse of around 86% coverage! Here is a quick rundown of what to expect and how you can see the eclipse (safely):

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. Depending on the angle viewed from Earth this can partially or fully block the view of the sun temporarily.

What time will the Eclipse happen?

The Moon will begin to pass in front of the Sun around 2:06pm. At around 3:32pm, the Eclipse will reach maximum coverage. Roughly 86% of the Sun will be blocked by the Moon. By 4:34pm the Moon will have completed its pass across the Sun.

Is it safe to look at the Eclipse?

It is NOT safe to look directly at the Sun during the Eclipse without protective solar viewing glasses. The good news? Many local area stores and libraries have special viewing glasses that are inexpensive and in some cases free! Solar eclipse glasses must comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard to be considered safe.

WATCH: Deja Parker has more safety tips for viewing the Solar Eclipse

Is the Eclipse safe for pets?

The short answer is yes, however, changes in lighting and strange shadows may lead to confusion in some animals.

WATCH: Leila Weah reports on a special rocket being launched to study the Eclipse

When is the next Solar Eclipse?

There will be several Solar Eclipses in the coming years, but you will have to travel to see them as they will be only viewable from other parts of the World! The next Solar Eclipse that is viewable from the contiguous US will be in 2044, with totality passing through only Montana and North Dakota.