April 8 solar eclipse: 4 telescopes and observatories where you can watch totality

The total solar eclipse on April 8 is expected to be the highlight astronomical event of the year. While it’s an amazing show to witness, being at an observatory on the eclipse’s path can enhance the experience. Although a partial eclipse will be visible from all of North America on that day, to see the total solar eclipse and experience daylight turning into darkness, one must be within the path of totality, which will be around 115 miles (185 kilometers) wide and stretch from Mexico to Canada, covering 15 U.S. states. All solar eclipses take place during a new moon, which means the evenings of the prior week are moonlight-free, making it ideal for stargazing. With the path of totality spanning 10,000 miles (16,000 km) across Earth’s surface, some observatories and science centers will be within the moon’s central shadow on that day. Here are some of the observatories within the path of totality and their planned events for April 8:
1. Loftis Observatory
A residential event will be held at Loftis Observatory at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, from April 4-8. This will include stargazing, guest speakers, movies, and food. The tickets cost $2,500 each for a four-night stay on campus, with cheaper options for those not needing accommodations. Totality here will last 4 minutes, 23 seconds.
2. Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory
The University of Texas at Austin will host the UTotal Solar Eclipse event at the Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory on April 8. The campus observatory houses a 16-inch Meade LX200 telescope, and a stargazing event is planned for April 5. Totality will last for 2 minutes, 28 seconds.
3. Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory
The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory in Tupper Lake, New York, will host the “Totality In Tupper” event, featuring family-oriented activities on eclipse day, as well as an 18-foot (5.5 meters) megascreen, music, food, and entertainment. Totality at this location will last 3 minutes, 33 seconds.
4. Mont-Mégantic Observatory
An observation event will be held at Mont-Mégantic Observatory in Quebec’s Mont-Mégantic National Park on April 8. Being the largest professional observatory in the path of totality, it is expected that 2,500 people will attend. Solar telescopes will be available at the nearby ASTROLab museum, and tickets include bus transportation to the site. Totality at this location will last 3 minutes, 28 seconds.
It is important to note that it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without proper safety equipment, such as a pair of high-quality eclipse glasses, as it may cause permanent eye damage or blindness. There are various safe ways to observe the eclipse indirectly, including through a homemade eclipse viewer.

Author: OpenAI