Expectations For The 2024 Solar Eclipse In Augusta

It's been seven years since the last total solar eclipse happened over North America. But there's another coming soon. On April 8, 2024, we will experience another total eclipse, and it will be the last until 2044. While some may be able to see the full effects, when it comes to the solar eclipse in Augusta, we won't see the total phase.

There are two types of eclipses. There's a lunar eclipse, which happens when the Earth's shadow obscures the Moon.  Then there's the solar eclipse, where the Moon hides the Sun. When this occurs, the sun's light is fully or partially blocked, casting a shadow for those in its path.

According to NASA, we experience four to seven eclipses throughout the year. As for why we don't have an eclipse every month? "The Moon's orbit around Earth is tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun."

For the upcoming eclipse, we will experience a solar eclipse. While this particular eclipse is a "total solar eclipse," Augusta won't be in the path of totality. This means we won't experience the Moon fully covering the Sun.

Those in the path of totality, weather permitting, will experience a dark sky similar to dawn or dusk. And they may also see the Sun's corona (outer atmosphere), that's typically unable to be seen due to the Sun's brightness.

The upcoming eclipse takes place on Monday, April 8, 2024. According to TimeAndDate.com, the event will begin at 1:50 p.m. and finish at 4:23 p.m. for a total of 2 hours and 33 minutes.

The peak of the eclipse (meaning the time we'll see the max coverage in our area) will be at 3:08 p.m. Visibility of the eclipse will be dependent on the weather of course.

Since we will only see a partial eclipse in Augusta, the Moon won't completely cover the sun, and we'll see various stages of a cresent Sun throughout the window of time. It's important that if you plan to view the eclipse, you should do so safely.

The only time it is safe to view an eclipse without special glasses is during a total solar eclipse. And that should only be done during totality when the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon. For viewing the solar eclipse in Augusta, you will need eclipse glasses.

It's important to note that regular sunglasses are not adequate for viewing the solar eclipse. Not matter how dark the sunglasses are, they won't protect your eyes. You will need special eclipse glasses to safely view the event as it takes place. A quick search on Amazon brought up a lot of options starting around $5.

Another option is a solar viewer, which NASA says should comply with ISO 12312-1 international standard. When using eclipse glasses or a solar viewer, NASA recommends inspecting prior to use for any scratches or damage. And you should also supervise children using these items.

You should also never look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, or binoculars, even while wearing eclipse glasses or using a solar viewer.

There's also the indirect viewing method, where you wouldn't be looking directly at the sun. NASA says one way to do this is by using a pinhole projector, which has a small opening and projects the image of the Sun onto a nearby surface. They even have an easy way to make your own box pinhole projector. See that HERE.

Spring break always arrives at just the right time. It's when the holiday cheer has totally worn off, and it's also right when spring is around the corner but it's not quite here yet. I remember loving spring break in school. But, even if you're not in school or college anymore, why not take a fun spring break trip this year? Thankfully, there are plenty of trendy, cheap spring break destinations available. One Georgia spot is even among the best cheap spring break trips in the US.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, as they say, stay close to home. It doesn't have to be a staycation. But, why not travel to a town that you've never been to that's within road trip distance? Of course, if you live in a cold climate, you might want to travel to a hot spot. The good news is that a lot of warm spring break destinations have great rates, because tourist is simply their business. So, if you go to a popular spring break spot, chances are they'll have some good deals and be able to cut you a good deal due to just how many people who travel there each year.

The perfect spring break destination is really about getting away from it all. You want a place that fun and exciting. But, you also want a spot that really helps you break away from routine and, hopefully, your electronic devises. Another bonus is if you find a spring break destination near friends who you maybe haven't seen in a while. It can be a really fun trip to find a central location and meet up with long-lost friends.

Read on for some trendy, cheap spring break trips in the United States, including the Georgia one. Here's hoping for a super fun spring vacation. Oh, these work for summer, too.

Vegas can be fun, but Atlantic City offers that fun of Vegas on the East Coast. You can enjoy the entertainment and other activities the city has to offer. You can also explore the boardwalks and beaches.

https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/

It might seem trite, but going to Orlando, Florida, for spring break is really tops. Orlando has some of the best deals you'll find, since they are obviously such a major tourist destination. And, there's Disney World. Enough said.

https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central/orlando/

If you want a more traditional spring break, try Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's one of the hottest spring break destinations in the United States. It's also a pretty reasonable trip, with good, fairly inexpensive lodging options.

https://www.myrtlebeach.com/

There's nothing wrong with a little education on your spring break, right? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a rich history. It's known for that history and rich historical content. Really exploring Philly can be a great way to spend a spring break.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

Detroit is super hot, thanks to their Lions doing so well in the NFL this season. The Motor City has been splashed on the screen during playoff games, and people are starting to see the beauty of this city. The Detroit River is gorgeous in the springtime. There's lots to do in Detroit, too, from the Henry Ford Museum to GreenField Village to live music.

https://visitdetroit.com/

Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a fun, wild (if you want it to be) spring break destination. The weather is usually good in the springtime, and there's always lots to do. Hit up the casinos or check out one of Vegas' many live shows.

https://www.visitlasvegas.com/

Sure, Atlanta, Georgia is a big tourist spot. But, if you want to try something new, Macon is a growing hotspot. Macon offers a revitalized downtown area, with lots of shopping and activities for families. The city also has a vibrant music scene. What's not to love?

https://www.exploregeorgia.org/city/macon

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a unique spot to pick for a spring break. We mean unique in a good way. The Queen City offers lots of breweries, historical areas and scenic views. It can be a low-key but fun spring trip destination.

https://www.visitnc.com/charlotte-region