In Little Rock, we are bracing ourselves for “Eclipse Weekend” with an influx of visitors arriving to experience totality on Monday, April 8^th. Due to projected traffic and infrastructure demands, schools are closed, and businesses have followed with closures. Our office on University Avenue will be closed, yet you will be able to reach us as you would normally. We will be working remotely the morning of the eclipse. We’ll take the afternoon off for our employees to experience totality with friends and family.

Many of our clients are in the path of totality, so here are some fun facts as you prepare for Eclipse Day:

Total solar eclipses are rare. The last one in the continental U.S. was in 2017 and the next one will require a 20-year wait to August 23, 2044. 

Everyone in the continental U.S. will see at least a partial eclipse on April 8^th. The northwestern tip of Washington state will have the smallest amount with the Moon covering 16% of the Sun’s surface.

The corona is visible. The corona is the outermost part of the Sun and is typically not visible due to the bright light from the Sun’s surface. However, when the Sun’s surface is blocked during a total solar eclipse the Corona is visible. 

Animals will behave strangely at the unexpected darkness and often prepare for sleep. Birds will stop chirping and nocturnal animals, such as bats, may come out.

Interesting shadows are created as the Moon covers the Sun’s surface. The smaller light source from the Sun produces better-defined shadows. One shadow effect most people will be able to view is leaves on trees casting crescent shadows on the ground.

Wear red or green during the eclipse. Due to an optical illusion known as Purkinje effect, reds will appear very muted while greens will appear vibrant. The sudden change in light during an eclipse changes our perceptions of colors, creating this illusion.

During totality, the temperature can drop drastically – as much as 10 degrees in some areas.

Solar eclipses do not last long. The longest totality in the U.S. will be at the border of Mexico in Las Quintas Fronterizas, TX with totality lasting 4 minutes 22 seconds. In Little Rock, we’re not right on the center line, so our totality will only last 2 minutes and 29 seconds.

The 2024 eclipse is predicted to be the most viewed eclipse ever. The path goes through 15 U.S. states, but more importantly goes through several large metropolitan areas. The population in the path of totality is approximately 31.5 million people, who (weather permitting) can just walk outside to see the total eclipse. This is in addition to those in neighboring areas who will travel to view the eclipse.

If you have budding scientists at home that want to learn more about the eclipse, check out Sky & Telescope astronomy magazine’s list of eclipse activities for kids.

Of course, if you’re viewing the eclipse, make sure to do it safely with eclipse glasses. In Little Rock, schools and public libraries have been distributing glasses for free. If you don’t have any yet, check out your local library this weekend.

Whether you are in the path of totality or will just experience a partial eclipse this time, we wish you all a safe and fun eclipse day!

Sources:

https://udallas.edu/academics/programs/physics/astronomy-corner/solar-eclipse.php

Mary McCraw, CFP®

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