LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Parts of Kentucky and southern Indiana are in for a unique showcase between the sun and moon this spring.
On April 4, 2024, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun casting a full shadow that will block the sun’s light from reaching our planet for a few minutes in the middle of the day.
The Total Solar Eclipse is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Kentuckiana. But did you know there are three other types of solar eclipses?
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Total Solar Eclipse
A total solar eclipse, like the one we will experience in April, occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun by passing between it and Earth.
People in the middle of moon's shadow, or the "path of totality", will experience a total eclipse.
This means the sky will darken for as long as four minutes and will look like as if it were dusk or dawn. In totality, sky gazers can also see what is the sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually blocked by the sun's bright face.
Those looking to enjoy the view will need to keep their solar-safe eclipse glasses on for the majority of the eclipse but can take them off in those brief few minutes of totality. You'll need to put them back on as the sun returns.
And don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Many of us won't be around the next time a total solar eclipse is near Louisville.
Annular Solar Eclipse
You likely remember this eclipse from last October. It stretched from Oregon to Texas.
The annular eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, but this time it is at its farthest point from our planet. That means, it does not completely cover the sun, but creates a dark disk surrounded by what looks like a ring.
Similar to a total eclipse, there is a "path of annularity" where you can see the full "ring of fire" effect.
It's important to note, you need to keep your solar-safe eclipse glasses on to enjoy this type of eclipse!
Partial Solar Eclipse
Depending on where you are in the country for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, you may experience a partial solar eclipse.
This happens during both a solar and annular eclipse when you are outside the area covered by the moon.
People in those areas outside the path of the eclipse will see part of sun covered, giving it a crescent shape.
Again, with this type of eclipse, you must keep your solar-safe eclipse glasses on to safely enjoy its beauty!
Hybrid Solar Eclipse
Buckle up, this one is a strange eclipse!
Because the Earth is curved, there are times an eclipse can switch between an annular and total solar eclipse as it moves across the sky.
We won't see a hybrid solar eclipse for a few more years though. The next one is expected in 2031.
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