Sometimes it pays to live in unprecedented times where once-in-a-lifetime events occur, and next week will be one of those amazing experiences. On Monday, April 8, North America will have the opportunity to see a total solar eclipse and southeast Oklahoma is directly in its path.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun, and making the sky appear like it’s dawn or dusk. The partial eclipse is expected to begin crossing southeast Oklahoma around 12:28 p.m. with the total eclipse beginning around 1:45 p.m.
If you plan to catch the solar eclipse, safety must be your first priority. Except for a brief few minutes as the moon completely covers the sun, it is not safe to watch the event without specialized eye protection. And if you’re in an area where you won’t be able to see a 100% total eclipse, you shouldn’t remove your protective eyewear at all. To ensure you have eye protection that complies with industry standards, visit the Amercian Astronomical Society’s website which details what you should look for and lists safe suppliers.
In 2017, the solar eclipse passed across the U.S. passing over Oregon to South Carolina and with a path that was between 62 to 71 miles wide. This year’s eclipse will pass over Texas to Maine and have a path that ranges between 108 to 122 miles wide. This wider path is caused by the moon being closer to the Earth. The path of this year’s eclipse is more densely populated as well giving more people the chance to see the total solar eclipse.
This eclipse will also last longer than the 2017 event as it reaches totality, for a maximum viewing of four minutes and 28 seconds. NASA estimates that the length of totality will remain over four minutes for viewers as far north as Economy, Indiana, which means viewers in southeast Oklahoma will have that opportunity as well.
Southeast Oklahoma has numerous public sites with a great view of the event. Travel Oklahoma lists several places that will be in perfect view of the eclipse including Cavanal Hill in Poteau, Pine Creek Lake in Valliant, Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow, Carl Albert Lake in Talihina, and Cedar Lake in Hodgen.
If you’re not able to travel to southeast Oklahoma to see the total solar eclipse, Oklahoma City residents will be able to see 90% of the total eclipse. So, grab your safety glasses and make plans to be outside April 8 to catch this incredible event no matter where you are across the state.
