On Monday, April 8, the United States will experience a solar eclipse. Spring Hill is a few hundred miles from the path of totality, however, the Kansas City area will still experience around 90% darkness during a partial solar eclipse. The moon will move in front of the sun from about 12:38 p.m. to 3:11 p.m., peaking around 1:54 p.m.

Safe solar viewing glasses

To watch the eclipse safely, you'll need solar viewers that comply with ISO 12312-2 safety standards. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) warns of misleading marketing of solar viewers, highlighting that some products labeled as ISO-compliant may not have been properly tested for safety.

In response to the discovery of fake and counterfeit products, the AAS has published a list of verified manufacturers and retailers selling safe solar viewing products. This list also includes places offering eclipse glasses for free (while supplies last). 

The AAS acknowledges that some members of the public may opt to use welding masks for eclipse observation. However, it's essential to note that a welding shield must be a Shade 12 or higher filter to safely observe the sun. For more information regarding safe viewing of the eclipse, read this article.

Spring Hill will experience a partial solar eclipse, characterized by a peak of occlusion but not complete coverage of the sun. During total solar eclipse, observers can take off their eclipse glasses during the brief period of totality. However, during a partial eclipse, observers should always wear solar glasses while looking at the sun, even during the peak.

Never attempt to look directly at the sun through a typical camera, binoculars, or telescope unless they are equipped with proper solar filters designed for safe solar viewing.

Indirect viewing options

Alternatively, you can experience the solar eclipse through indirect viewing methods, such as observing the changing light projection as the moon covers the sun. NASA offers various methods for creating pinhole projectors using everyday household items. One such method involves a cardboard box and aluminum foil. The AAS has other suggestions for simple pinhole projection, such as using a colander or just your hands.

Find an appropriate location to park and watch

As solar eclipses attract crowds, it's crucial to find a safe viewing location. Avoid parking on the side of highways, standing in roads, or near moving traffic to watch the eclipse. 

Likewise, do not stand in a road or anywhere near moving traffic to watch the eclipse. While wearing solar glasses, visibility of hazards around you will be limited. 

Driving during a partial solar eclipse

Although it's safe to drive during a solar eclipse, drivers must remain focused on the road. Solar glasses designed for eclipse viewing are be too dark for driving. Do not attempt to drive while wearing solar glasses. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection to view an eclipse.

Dangers on the road aren't just during the afternoon darkness; people will be traveling to viewing parties, and roads may be busier than normal for a Monday afternoon. As always, we encourage drivers to follow traffic laws and avoid distractions.

Be aware that the loss of sunlight during a solar eclipse can mimic dusk, potentially affecting wildlife behavior. Scientists published a study of zoo animals' behavior at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina during the August 2017 total solar eclipse. They observed that about 75% percent of animals they studied exhibited a behavioral response to the eclipse, such as beginning their nighttime activities. Note that the study took place during a total solar eclipse and Spring Hill will experience a partial eclipse. Evidence of wildlife activity during a partial eclipse is mostly through stories of individual experiences rather than scientific studies, but it is important to recognize the potential that deer or other wildlife could be active in the afternoon as light from the sun creates conditions similar to dusk and dawn.

Road tripping to the path of totality

If you are traveling to be along the path of totality, you're not alone. Research published by the Journal of the American Medical Association ahead of the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse compares the traffic volume during the August 2017 total solar eclipse to traditional high-travel weekends, such as Thanksgiving or Memorial Day.

The study analyzing crash data from the 2017 total solar eclipse event revealed a heightened risk due to factors such as increased traffic volume, travel on unfamiliar routes, speeding, driver distraction, impairment, and unsafe viewing locations.

Adjust your travel schedule to accommodate for busier roads, obey traffic laws, avoid distractions while driving and do not drive while impaired.