On Monday, April 8, people across the country will be collectively craning their necks to look up toward the sky for a can’t-miss celestial spectacle: a total solar eclipse. For the lucky folks who will fall under the eclipse’s “path of totality,” they’ll be plunged into darkness for as long as 4 minutes in some places. David Baron, a Boulder-based author, describes the experience to CPR:
Suddenly, the sky that you know is gone … and you can actually look into space toward the center of the solar system. You're seeing a sky you've never seen before.
David Baron, Boulder author
Everywhere not within the 115-mile path of totality, including Colorado, won’t get quite as spectacular of a show, but here’s what you can expect:
Will It Be Visible From Denver?
Some of it. While Colorado is not in the path of totality, on Monday we’ll at least still be privy to a 65% partial eclipse that will begin at approximately 11:28 a.m. and hit maximum coverage at about 12:40 p.m. The weather in Denver is forecasted to be drizzly and cloudy — not ideal for eclipse-viewing, unfortunately. Also, don’t hold your breath for total darkness, but it will get slightly dimmer. You can expect the sun to look something like this 👇
It might look a bit like a crescent moon. (timeanddate.com)
If you want to experience the full eclipse, scientists from the National Science Foundation’s National Solar Observatory (based in Boulder) will be livestreaming the event from Texas. And hey, if you miss this one, you only have to wait 21 years when Colorado is scheduled to have its turn in the path of totality.
Do I Need Eye Protection?
YES, ABSOLUTELY. And regular sunglasses won’t cut it. You’ll need special eclipse glasses that comply with international safety standards. You might still have time to purchase some online from verified sellers, or you can check your local hardware store, library, museum, or astronomical organization.
Eclipse Events and Viewing Parties
- The Science of Eclipses: This weekend, astronomy experts will host several special lectures at the University of Colorado’s Fiske Planetarium in Boulder. ($10+)
- Eclipse Viewing: Gather with other community members at the University of Colorado Springs for a viewing of the partial eclipse (glasses provided), as well as NASA’s live coverage. (Free)
- Eclipse Extravaganza: Explore everything there is to learn about this solar phenomenon with a family-friendly exhibit in the Planetarium at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. (Price of general admission)
- Viewing Party: The Denver Astronomical Society invites you to an eclipse-viewing party on the lawn of DU’s Chamberlin Observatory, complete with filtered telescopes and DAS volunteers to walk you through the event! (Free)
