Total solar eclipse: Safety urged as hype builds up

Prepare for a dramatic event as a total solar eclipse casts its shadow across the continent. The first of its kind since 2017, this eclipse will darken skies over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, according to NASA.

NASA explains that a total solar eclipse happens when the Moon aligns perfectly between the Sun and Earth, temporarily blocking out the Sun's light. Viewers within the eclipse's path will witness a sky that resembles twilight, even in the middle of the day.

While eclipses occur in various forms, total solar eclipses are a rare sight in the United States. After this one, you won't see another for the next 20 years! So, it's crucial to be ready for this extraordinary event.

What You Need to Know About the 2024 Eclipse

When will it happen? The celestial show is expected to be visible onApril 8, 2024. The last total solar eclipse took place in 2017 making it a nearly seven years gap between the two event .

What time does it start? The precise timing depends on your location. Refer to NASA's detailed map for accurate eclipse times in your area. NASA confirms the eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PDT and conclude off the coast of Newfoundland at 5:16 NDT.

Where will the eclipse be visible? NASA outlines that the eclipse will first appear over the South Pacific Ocean, then traverse North America through Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

The path begins on Mexico's Pacific coast, enters Texas, and then crosses Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. It continues northward into Canada through Southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia before ending off Newfoundland's Atlantic coast.

How do I watch it safely? Being in the eclipse's path is exciting, but safety is paramount. Staring directly at the sun is harmful at all times, except during the brief period of totality when the moon completely covers the sun.

Protect yourself and your family by investing in solar eclipse glasses. These specialised glasses are designed for safe sun observation.

"Solar eclipse glasses use lenses that are made of black polymer, a flexible resin infused with carbon particles," according to the Planetary Society's website. "They are about 100,000 times darker than ordinary sunglasses and block nearly all visible light as well as all infrared and ultraviolet light."

NASA offers a resource page listing trusted brands for safe solar viewers and filters.

When's the next one? Mark your calendars because the next total solar eclipse visible in the United States won't happen until August 23, 2044, according to NASA.

The total solar eclipse will be closely followed by a rare display of the Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. Known for its long 71-year orbit, it will make a special appearance near Jupiter. While spotting it may require telescopes or extra effort, its presence adds a unique touch to this already rare event.

"Bye Bye Bye to damaged eyesight!" Lance Bass urges for safety

Lance Bass is on a mission to ensure everyone enjoys the upcoming total solar eclipse safely. With the eclipse approaching on April 8th, the *NSYNC star and National Space Society board

"During these celestial events, the sun, Earth and moon are in sync — creating solar eclipses," Bass explained in a video. "You can look directly at the sun during a total solar eclipse, but only when it's completely covered by the moon for a brief period known as totality. This is a really special moment."

He playfully warned fans, "At all other times, you should wear eclipse glasses so that you don't say 'Bye Bye Bye' to your vision." Bass emphasised that ordinary sunglasses won't provide the necessary protection for direct viewing.

"Don't be a Space Cowboy and try to look directly at the sun," he added. "If you don't have eclipse glasses, you can use an indirect viewing method, like a pinhole projector. You can make one of these with something as simple as an index card with a hole, or a colander, or even your hands."

Bass, a space travel enthusiast himself, encourages safety as top priority. NASA's website provides information on where to purchase safe solar viewers and filters, with instructions on how to confirm the seller's credibility.

Courtesy: "Time Out New York". PHOTOGRAPH: SELA SHILONI FOR TIMEOUT NEW YORK | BILL NYE WAS TIME OUT APRIL COVER STAR

The beloved "Science Guy" ditched his signature lab coat for a stre

Styled by Melissa Lynn Woodbury for Time Out New York, Nye embraced a bold new look. Think bomber jackets, statement necklaces, and futuristic sunglasses – a far cry from his usual bow ties. His outfits include a tracksuit, a gleaming silver coat, and even a planetary t-shirt cleverly layered under a designer vest.

The makeover is so drastic it's easy to forget this is the same Bill Nye who taught us about science!

“I really encourage everybody to take that day, that midday drive up the road. Get in the totality,” he told the outlet. “If you're not quite on the path, it’s not quite the same.”

Throwback to 2017's total eclipse

Despite repeated warnings from scientists, former President Donald Trump did the very exact thing experts had cautioned against during the total solar eclipse ie he gazed directly at the sun without protective eyewear during the 2017 total eclipse

When appearing on the White House's Truman Balcony with First Melania Trump and their son Baron, the president initially donned "eclipse glasses." However, he promptly removed them and briefly looked up at the sun.