Pensacola will see partial eclipse during Great American Eclipse. Here's what to expect
Pensacola doesn’t fall into the path of totality of a rare total solar eclipse that will enshroud 13 states and around 500 U.S. cities in temporary darkness, but it won’t be completely missing out, either.
Similar to the last total solar eclipse that was partially visible to Floridians in the panhandle, the area will be able to view a partial eclipse starting around 12:30 p.m. and ending just after 3 p.m. on April 8.
Here is what Pensacola residents can expect to see during the 2024 solar eclipse.
What is a total solar eclipse?
There are many types of solar eclipses, but a total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking our view of the sun, according to NASA.
Of course, how much our view is blocked depends on where the viewer is located back on Earth. In some places, the sun will be completely blotted out, others will see the sun partially covered and less lucky viewers won’t see anything at all.
What does a total solar eclipse look like? Here are photos from 2017.
Total solar eclipses are, unsurprisingly, dark. NASA describes the scene as if it were dusk or dawn. People looking at the eclipse along the path of totality are likely to see the sun’s corona, which is the outer atmosphere if the weather is clear. This part of the sun is usually obscured by its bright light.
What time will the solar eclipse be in Pensacola?
Pensacola will see a partial eclipse starting at 12:36 p.m. on April 8. It will hit 50% of maximum coverage by 1:16 p.m., maximum coverage by 1:55 p.m., and end around 3:13 p.m.
Eclipse glasses: 2024 solar eclipse will be visible in Florida. Here's where to find free glasses
What will the 2024 solar eclipse look like in Pensacola?
Pensacola isn’t located near the path of totality, but we’ll still get to see a partial eclipse, much like we did in 2017.
During a partial eclipse, the moon still passes between the sun and the Earth, but the moon does not completely cover the sun.
Instead of being wholly blotted out, the sun will likely have a crescent shape, similar to the moon’s waning and waxing crescent.
Anyone viewing the partial eclipse must wear eclipse glasses.
Protect your eyes: Warby Parker offering free eclipse glasses. Here's when and where to get them in Florida
Solar eclipse 2024 interactive map
You can use this interactive map to get an exact time of when. Use your finger or mouse to navigate the map. You can pinch-to-zoom or use the "plus" and "minus" buttons on the top left.
Clicking or tapping onto one of the orange dots will bring up a location where you can read more about the timing and duration of the eclipse.
What planets will be visible during the 2024 solar eclipse?
In places experiencing totality, viewers may get to see bright stars and even planets.
Jupiter and Venus will be visible to the naked eye once the eclipse hits 100% totality.
When was the last solar eclipse?
The last total solar eclipse happened in 2017, which makes it seem like this rare cosmic event isn’t so rare. However, the next time we’ll get a chance to see something like this will be 2044, according to NASA.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Will Pensacola see the solar eclipse 2024? Here’s what to expect
