Watching the April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse from Charlotte — everything you need to know

On April 8, 2024, a rare solar eclipse will occur across all U.S. states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). A total of 13 states will witness a “total solar eclipse.” In a total eclipse, the Moon blocks 100% of the sun for a few minutes, creating a ring-like aura from the Sun’s outer atmosphere and a darkened sky similar to twilight.

The remaining states (including North Carolina) will experience a partial eclipse. As the name suggests, the moon will only obscure (or “bite”) a portion of the sun rather than the full 100%.

North Carolina’s partial eclipse will see the sun obscured anywhere from around 70% in the coastal regions to 85% in the mountains, which will be worth watching. Read on to learn what to expect from the partial eclipse in your area.

What will the Solar Eclipse look like in Charlotte?

Charlotte Area: April 2024 Solar Eclipse vs. Previous Years

Charlotte’s encounter with this upcoming solar eclipse will differ from the ones in August 2017 and October 2023. It will be less pronounced than 2017’s partial (but nearly total) solar eclipse, which achieved up to 98% totality in the area and lasted for 2 hours and 52 minutes. But this eclipse will be far more noticeable than 2023’s annular solar eclipse, which was only 42% obscuration at peak.

How can you safely observe the Solar Eclipse?

Though the majority of the sun will be covered, viewing the eclipse without the proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage. To be safe, use solar viewing glasses (aka, eclipse glasses).

You can also view the eclipse indirectly through a pinhole viewer. Here are very easy instructions to make a pinhole viewer for the solar eclipse from materials you have around the house!

Regular sunglasses will not be enough to protect the eye. If you have an old pair of eclipse glasses, inspect them for damage to the lenses before use. NASA doesn’t approve of any specific brands of eclipse glasses, so check the authenticity of any eclipse glasses before purchasing. Look for ones that are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.

Both plastic and paper frames are available.

Eclipse glasses will sell out (they did in 2017!) so don’t delay in purchasing them. Here is a recommendation, and then a few best sellers, but please read all the specifications carefully.

More Solar Eclipse Glasses

Adults should educate children on proper glasses use and the risks of sun-induced eye damage.

When viewing the eclipse through a lens (camera, binoculars, telescope, etc.), you should not rely on eclipse glasses. Lenses will concentrate sunlight into a more powerful form that is too strong for eclipse glasses. Instead, you can look into buying solar filters for your optical device. With these filters applied, you can safely look through the lenses without eclipse glasses.

Click here to read NASA’s article on eclipse-viewing safety.

Solar Eclipse Events in the Charlotte Area

Seeing the Total Solar Eclipse

Those traveling to see the total solar eclipse rather than the partial one should plan accordingly. As the eclipse grows closer, keep an eye on the weather and try to avoid cloudy areas. Anticipate heightened traffic from fellow travelers, and be aware that bookings for airfare, accommodations, and similar services may fill up quickly.

In sequence, the states in the totality path are as follows: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Click here to read predictions about high-traffic areas during the eclipse.

Are you traveling to the path of totality? Here’s some information on the solar eclipse in Maine, and here’s a guide to the solar eclipse in Ohio.