WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE

It is an infrequent celestial event that provides millions of people the opportunity to watch the sky darken for several minutes. We are talking about a solar eclipse, and one is about to unfold on April 8, 2024. The April solar eclipse is expected to cut a wide swath of the United States, with the residents of 15 states getting the chance to see a full solar eclipse. However, Mother Nature must cooperate for the residents in the 15 states to observe the magnitude of a full solar eclipse.

Is Colorado one of the 15 states where residents can see a full solar eclipse on April 8? Will the residents of our assisted living facility get to see the infrequent celestial event? Let’s find out.

What is a Solar Eclipse and How to See One Safely

A solar eclipse is a type of celestial confluence. In this case, the celestial confluence occurs when the sun, moon, and earth perfectly align. For a solar eclipse, the moon fully aligns over the sun to block sunlight for several minutes. The moon partially blocking the sun creates a partial solar eclipse.

You should never look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse, even when the moon completely blocks the sun’s rays. This means never looking at a solar eclipse through a telescope, camera, or binoculars without attaching a solar filter. You also should consider wearing eclipse glasses to filter out harmful sunlight. According to NASA, failing to follow precautionary instructions can result in serious damage to both eyes. 

Who Gets to See the April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse?

The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse is rare because the wide path of the sun and moon is expected to move over several highly populated areas of the United States. NASA estimates that more than 31 million people live within 100 miles of the total solar eclipse. An additional 150 million live within 200 miles of the expected path. Residents of states such as Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois have the best chance of seeing a total solar eclipse. Residents of all 48 contiguous states should see at least a partial solar eclipse, weather permitting.

Will the residents at our senior living center in Denver, Colorado get to experience this rare celestial event? Depending on where a resident of Colorado lives, the odds of seeing the solar eclipse on April 8 sit between 54 percent and 78 percent. The southeast section of Colorado is where residents have the best chance of seeing at least a partial solar eclipse. Residents of retirement communities in Denver should see a solar eclipse at around 65 percent of totality on April 8.

When Will the Solar Eclipse Happen?

NASA expects the partial solar eclipse to unfold in Denver starting at 11:28 a.m. and ending at 1:53 p.m. The maximum solar eclipse in Denver is expected to occur at 12:40 p.m. For those fortunate enough to travel closer to the zone of the full solar eclipse, total darkness should go on for nearly five minutes. Several online resources list the timings of the solar eclipse for many of the American cities located on the path of the unique celestial event. 

The compassionate caregivers at our assisted living facility in Denver, CO work tirelessly to ensure the comfort and safety of the residents. If you are searching for a senior living center, we encourage you to schedule a tour to learn more about MorningStar at Observatory Park.