WASHINGTON — On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America and parts of the country will see day turn into night for as long as four-and-a-half minutes.
The eclipse will enter over Mexico's Pacific coast, move up through Texas and Oklahoma, and crisscross the Midwest, Mid Atlantic and New England, before exiting over eastern Canada into the Atlantic.
D.C. isn't in the path of totality, but our region will still see a great show in the sky. Where you are depends on what time you'll see the maximum amount of the sun blocked by the moon and the amount of sun that will be eclipsed.
DMV Partial Eclipse Viewing Times:
D.C.
Eclipse Begins: 2:04 p.m.
Maximum Eclipse: 3:20 p.m. (87.4%)
Eclipse Ends: 4:32 p.m.
Baltimore, MD
Eclipse Begins: 2:05 p.m.
Maximum Eclipse: 3:21 p.m. (89.7%)
Eclipse Ends: 4:33 p.m.
Leesburg, VA
Eclipse Begins: 2:03 p.m.
Maximum Eclipse: 3:19 p.m. (90.3%)
Eclipse Ends: 4:32 p.m.
Fredericksburg, VA
Eclipse Begins: 2:03 p.m.
Maximum Eclipse: 3:19 p.m. (87.8%)
Eclipse Ends: 4:32 p.m.
Even though the DMV isn't in the path of totality, several viewing events and watch parties are planned for Monday.
How To Prepare:
Special eclipse glasses are extremely important to keep your eyes safe during the solar eclipse. The only time it is safe to look directly at the eclipse with the naked eye is during totality, if you're located within the path of totality. Before and after, certified eclipse glasses should be worn to avoid eye damage.
WUSA9 will air live views of the solar eclipse from both the path of totality and here in the DMV from 3-3:30 p.m. Tune in on our website, app or on WUSA9+.
You can also watch NASA's official feed of eclipse views across America on our Youtube page form 1-4 p.m.
The American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force vetted sellers and compiled a list of trusted manufacturers and suppliers of eclipse glasses here.
Be sure to set your alarm so you don't miss this eclipse, the next cross-country Total Solar Eclipse won't be until 2045.
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