Next total solar eclipse is just over a month away. Can you see it from Brevard?
We’re just over a month away from the next Total Solar Eclipse where the moon will entirely block the sun leaving the Earth in total darkness.
Well, parts of the Earth.
Dubbed the Great North American Eclipse, this natural phenomenon takes place April 8. It will start in the South Pacific Ocean, travel from Mexico into Oklahoma and move diagonally across the country through New Hampshire.
While Florida is not in the path of totality, you will still be able to enjoy some of the eclipse from Brevard.
What will the total solar eclipse look like in Brevard?
Brevard’s view of the eclipse will be just over half of the sun to more than ? of it obscured by the moon. It will vary a bit depending on where you are.
More of the moon will be blocked the farther northwest you go.
What time will the eclipse be visible in Brevard?
The total eclipse will hit the coast of Mexico on April 8, 2024, around 2:07 p.m. EDT.
The partial eclipse will begin first as the edge of the moon becomes visible, and then about an hour and 20 minutes later the totality will begin and last for three or four minutes before the sun begins to appear again.
Florida residents should start to see the eclipse beginning around 1:35 p.m. EDT, with the midpoint at 2:55.
Where are the best places in Florida to see the eclipse?
Head to the Panhandle for the best viewing location in Florida. Pensacola will reach just over 80% at midpoint, according to eclipse2024.com.
The farther south, or southeast you go, the less coverage you’ll see. Tallahassee will get 75.4% coverage, Jacksonville about 70%. Southwestern Florida will see about 60% of the sun blocked, Palm Beach 58%, Miami 55.7%, and down in the Keys it'll be 55.1%.
How to safely view the eclipse
Even though Brevard is getting a partial view, it is still imperative that you not look directly at the sun. NASA recommends wearing safe solar viewing glasses.
Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses (which are not enough to protect your eyes during an eclipse) to block nearly all visible, infrared and ultraviolet light. They should not be used if they are torn or scratched.
Protective eyewear is needed even if viewing the eclipse through binoculars, a telescope or camera lens. Looking at the eclipse with bare eyes will result in severe eye injury.
Warber Parker at The Avenue Viera will be giving out free eclipse glasses beginning April 1.
How often are total solar eclipses?
Total solar eclipses aren't that uncommon, they happen somewhere on the Earth's surface about every 18 months, according to Space.com. But the area on the ground covered by totality is only about 50 miles wide and any given spot on the planet might see a total eclipse once every hundred years or so.
The next total solar eclipse visible in North America won't be until 2033, according to NASA.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: What to know about April's solar eclipse, how to see it in Brevard.