Solar eclipse – Courtesy: Shutterstock by aeonWAVE
The complete solar eclipse that will occur on Monday, April 8 is only a day away.
The Great North American Eclipse’s path of totality will begin in the South Pacific Ocean between Mexico and New Zealand, cross into Oklahoma from Mexico, and then proceed northeast (diagonally) across the nation. After passing across parts of Canada and the New England region of the United States, the path of totality will conclude in the Atlantic Ocean close to the coasts of France and Spain.
What about Florida, though? Residents of Florida will still be able to see the magnificent astronomical phenomenon even though the state is not in the path of totality.
Before the moon moves between Earth and the sun on Monday, the following times and places should be on your radar:
When does Florida’s solar eclipse occur?
On April 8, at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT, the complete eclipse will cross the Mexican coast and depart continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NDT.
Residents in Florida should begin to witness the eclipse on April 8 at approximately 1:35 p.m. EDT, with the halfway occurring at 2:55 p.m. For instance, the event will be visible to Tallahassee residents from 1:42 to 4:17 p.m., with the maximum viewing time being at 3 p.m.
In contrast, people in Miami will witness the eclipse between 1:47 and 4:13 p.m. EDT, with the best viewing occurring at 3:01 p.m.
How much of the solar eclipse will Florida get to see?
Residents of Florida won’t witness the moon fully obstructing the sun because the state is not in the path of totality.
According to Great American Eclipse website, Florida should have a 45% to 75% probability of experiencing a “maximum partial eclipse.” People can anticipate seeing a small crescent form to a thicker crescent shape, according to The Tallahassee Democrat.
What is the predicted weather for Florida on April 8th, the day of the solar eclipse?
In the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend regions, AccuWeather predicts a low likelihood of clouds.
According to earlier estimates, people should expect more cloud cover as they travel down the peninsula, with a higher likelihood of clouds obstructing views in South Florida and along the East Coast.
Because of a system of high pressure off the Carolinas, “we’re expecting much of Florida will be dry on Monday,” according to senior meteorologist Tyler Roys of AccuWeather. Nonetheless, there is a chance of more cloud cover throughout the state, particularly in Central and South Florida, which stretches from Jacksonville south to Miami.
It should be mentioned that the forecast is subject to change as Monday approaches.
Where in Florida is the best place to see the solar eclipse in 2024?
Would you like to obtain the greatest view within your own state rather than go the entire distance to a state along the path of totality?
According to eclipse2024.com, Pensacola will witness a beautiful partial eclipse with just over 80% coverage at the halfway point. However, if you’d like to see as much of the eclipse as possible within state boundaries, you’ll need to travel to Pineville (82.4%), Bratt (82.3%), or Walnut Hill (82.2%).
You will observe less of an eclipse the further south or southeast you travel. Jacksonville will receive coverage of almost 70 percent, while Tallahassee 75.4 percent. The state of Central Florida will be between 60 and 70 percent. About 60 percent of the sun will be blocked in Southwestern Florida, 58 percent in Palm Beach, 55.7 percent in Miami, and 55.1 percent in the Keys.
Always remember to bring your eclipse glasses, wherever you may be.
NASA cautions that looking at any portion of the sun through a telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or with your bare eyes without sun watching glasses can cause serious eye damage.
A carefully selected list of authorized eclipse glass vendors is available on the website of the American Astronomical Society. Before making any purchases, look over the list.
Additionally, free solar eclipse glasses are usually distributed by nearby observatories, schools, and libraries. Call ahead to check if there are any available since certain establishments may have limited stock.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.