Experience the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse with Union Plus
On April 8th, 2024, the U.S. will witness a total solar eclipse. Preplanning is crucial, as hotels and rental cars will be in high demand. Save money by booking your trip with Union Plus!
Mark your calendars! On April 8th, 2024, the United States will witness a celestial spectacle — a total solar eclipse. The moon will completely block the sun, plunging the path of totality into an ethereal twilight for a brief, unforgettable period. Preplanning is crucial, as hotels and rental cars will be in high demand. Save money by booking your trip with Union Plus Hotels and Car Rentals!
Where and when to witness eclipse totality
This eclipse carves a narrow path across the continent, stretching from Mexico to Maine. If you live within this path, you're in luck! Cities like Dallas, Nashville, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo fall within the zone where totality will be visible. To pinpoint the exact timing for your location, NASA’s handy Eclipse Explorer tool can be your guide, or check out this video.
Safety first: How to view responsibly
Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. Here's the key: specialized ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses are a must. These glasses filter out harmful solar radiation, allowing you to safely witness the sun's corona — the wispy outer atmosphere — during totality.
Can’t find these special glasses? You can make your a pinhole projector. This simple DIY method allows you to view the eclipse indirectly, eliminating any risk to your eyes. And if all else fails or you can’t make it to a spot to view the eclipse in totality, many websites will have live streams of the event, offering a safe way to partake in the experience from afar.
A glimpse into history: The last and next eclipses
The last total solar eclipse to grace the contiguous United States was in 2017, and sky-watchers eagerly awaited it for years. This upcoming eclipse holds similar weight — it's the last one visible from the continental United States until August 23, 2044!
Making memories: Plan a family eclipse adventure
This eclipse is a unique opportunity to spark a love of science in your children. Consider making a family trip out of it! Renting a car (and saving up to 35% with Union Plus) allows for flexibility to chase the path of totality, while booking a hotel (and saving up to 50% with Union Plus) near the center line ensures you have a prime viewing spot. Imagine the awe on your children's faces as day turns into night, and the stars emerge into inky blackness.
Don't miss this celestial wonder! With careful planning and the right safety precautions, the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.