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The 2024 total solar eclipse is only a month away- It is time to make arrangements. Don’t wait until the last minute if you want to see the eclipse.
Prices for hotels, rental cars and other commodities are already high for locations in the path of totality on the day of the eclipse. Besides that, price gauging for items like solar glasses will also get worse the closer you get to the date of the eclipse. Be also aware that some of the items might have longer shipping times and you won’t get them in time. Get ready and prepare for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Things you need to watch the Eclipse
No matter if you live in the path of totality or you will travel there, these are a few essential things you will need.
Warning:
Never, ever look directly into the sun without proper protection. I am not talking regular sunglasses. You need something safer to look straight into the sun to observe the eclipse without damaging your eyes.
Solar Viewer Glasses
The most important gear you will need is your viewing glasses. Without them you can’t watch the sun until it hits totality when it is safe to remove the glasses for a few minutes.
I can highly recommend the products of Thousand Oaks Optical. I used their filters for my camera to photograph the annular solar eclipse.
Glasses are also sold on eBay and Amazon but make sure you buy from a reputable source. I am sure there will be cheap knock-offs sold for too much money.
These glasses seem to be safe and certified for viewing the eclipse. Remember the glasses are just made out of card stock and therefore not super durable. Handle them with care. I haven’t purchased them myself, as I use the filter on my camera to watch the eclipse and I have a sheet of filter material from Thousand Oaks Optical as well. Always do your diligence and make sure the glasses you buy are safe.
The price for these glasses has already doubled within the last year and they will go up the closer the eclipse gets.
Filter for your Camera
What is true for your eyes is also true for your camera. Don’t point your camera directly into the sun without the right filter. It can damage your camera sensor and if you have an optical viewfinder, it can damage your eyes when viewing the sun without protection.
I can highly recommend the filters from Thousand Oaks Optical. I used them and I am absolutely happy. Read my review about their filters here.
The same is true if you are using the camera of your smartphone. Don’t use it without protection and pointing it into the sun.
Location
Below you see a map of the path of totality. Along this corridor the moon will completely block out the sun. NASA has a website about the upcoming eclipse with information but the best side for the eclipse is GreatAmericanEclipse.com. This site has so many details about the upcoming eclipse with detailed maps and a ton of information. I would recommend using GreatAmericanEclipse.com as your source for planning.
Weather
Besides being in the path of totality, you also need unobstructed view of the sky to see the eclipse. A heavy layer of clouds will ruin the viewing experience. You will still notice the darkness when totality approaches but you won’t be able to see the eclipse in all of its beauty, the most important detail of this event.
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS) have created an INTERACTIVE MAP to estimate your chances of seeing the eclipse in different locations. Historical data was used to give an estimate on the chances of visibility, temperature, dewpoint, head index and wind chill.
Future Total Solar Eclipses
If you are thinking about skipping the eclipse, think twice.
- August 12, 2026 – Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain
- August 2, 2027 – Morocco, Spain, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia
- July 22, 2028 – Australia, New Zealand
- November 25, 2030 – Botswana, South Africa, Australia
- March 30, 2033 – Russia, Alaska
The next total solar eclipse which will be visible from the U.S. is in 2033 and it is only visible in parts of Alaska. The next total solar eclipse streaking across the contiguous U.S., is not until August 2045, when the eclipse will traverse from Florida to California.
Warning & Disclaimer
This post is just a guideline to help you observe the eclipse safely. Please always do your own research and check your glasses and filters for any damage. Don’t use damaged filters or products if you are not sure if you are safe to watch the sun. You act totally at your own risk and I am not responsible for any damage to your property or injuries.
[Header Image was taken during the 2023 Annular Eclipse]
Peter is an award-winning photographer who travels all over the world to capture the beauty of our planet as well as the achievements of humanity. Follow Peter on his travel blog Gate to Adventures for more amazing places to go and explore.
