A total eclipse is coming April 8. Here's how to view it from Jacksonville.
The sun’s going to disappear for a while on April 8 but it’s nothing to be alarmed about, just the only total eclipse to be visible from the United States in the next 20 years.
Jacksonville’s not in the “path of totality,” so we won’t see the sun totally obscured by the moon. Instead, we’ll see about 63 percent of the eclipse, which is still enough to cause eye damage without special glasses.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming eclipse in Northeast Florida.
Will the eclipse be visible from Jacksonville?
Weather permitting, the eclipse will be visible in the Jacksonville area from 1:47 p.m. to 4:19 p.m., peaking at 3:04 p.m.
What percentage of eclipse will we see from Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is not in the “path of totality,” which stretches from Texas to New England. At the peak of the eclipse, 62.7 percent of the sun will be obscured by the moon.
Are there any eclipse-watching events in Jacksonville?
The University of North Florida Department of Physics and Astronomy Club is throwing a free watch party from 2-4 p.m. April 8 at the J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater on campus. Parking on campus is $2. Free viewing glasses will be handed out. Bring your own blankets and chairs.
Where else in Jacksonville can I learn about eclipses?
Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History is holding a pair of eclipse education events in its Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Planetarium Night Live: The Big Cover Up will look at the upcoming eclipse and the impact other eclipses had on American history. The sessions are scheduled for 7 p.m. April 5 and 6. $10-$12. Info: themosh.org
Where is the nearest place to see the total eclipse?
You will be able to see the total eclipse in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont and parts of Tennessee and Michigan. Among the cities in the path of totality are Dallas, Little Rock, Cleveland and Buffalo.
The best place in Florida to view the eclipse is Pineville at the western edge of the Panhandle, which will see about 82 percent of the sun obscured.
Why the eclipse is so interesting:What's the big deal about the April 2024 total solar eclipse?
When is the 2024 total solar eclipse?Your guide to glasses, forecast, where to watch
Will I need special glasses to view the eclipse from Jacksonville?
Looking directly at a total eclipse can cause eclipse retinopathy, a serious eye condition that can be permanent. Experts recommend using special eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Regular sunglasses will not provide adequate eye protection.
The American Astronomical Society’s website shares a curated list of approved vendors for eclipse glasses.
Free eclipse-viewing glasses will be available starting Monday at the Orange Park Mall. You can pick up one or two pairs of glasses from Artsy Abode, Aunt Anne's, Books-A-Million, Buckle, Elegant Jewelers, Kay Jewelers, Rue21, Sarku Japan or TGIFridays at the mall.
Viewing the eclipse safely:You'll need eye protection for the solar eclipse. Here's what to know about safety glasses
When is the last time an eclipse was visible from Jacksonville?
The last total solar eclipse in the U.S. was on Aug. 21, 2017. Jacksonville was not in the path of totality for that one, either, but portions of Georgia and South Carolina were. Florida was also in the path of eclipses in 1918 and 1970.
The next total eclipse will be Aug. 12, 2026, and will be visible from Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. The next total eclipse that will be viewable from the contiguous United States will be Aug. 23, 2044, and will cover parts of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.
