2024 Total Eclipse Will Allow Asheville, WNC, to Travel to Another World, Professor Says

2024 Total Eclipse Will Allow Asheville, WNC, to ‘Travel to Another World,’ Professor Says

Asheville, North Carolina, is gearing up for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. While the city won’t be in the path of totality this time around, residents can still expect a remarkable celestial event. According to NASA, the eclipse will begin at 1:51 p.m. in Asheville, with maximum coverage at 3:09 p.m. and ending at 4:24 p.m. Enrique Gomez, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at Western Carolina University, notes that around 85% of the sun will be eclipsed by the moon in the Asheville area, providing a unique experience.

Scientific Research During the Eclipse

For researchers, scientists, and educators in Western North Carolina, the eclipse presents an opportunity to study various phenomena. Clouds, animals, insects, and more will be closely observed during the eclipse to track any changes or behaviors. Gomez mentioned that pinhole projections, created through the gaps between tree leaves, will show the eclipse and highlight its effects.

Collaboration and Data Collection

The North Carolina Arboretum is hosting a free event from 1-4 p.m. on April 8, where attendees can collect scientific data related to the eclipse. Partnering with NASA-funded programs like Eclipse Soundscapes and GLOBE Observer, the Arboretum offers a chance for citizen scientists to contribute to continent-sized projects. Theresa Schwerin from the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies emphasized the importance of observing changes in clouds and animal behavior during the eclipse.

Safety Precautions

Prior to the 2017 eclipse, Gomez encountered a man who suffered eye damage from looking directly at an eclipse in the 70s. It serves as a reminder of the importance of using proper eye protection when viewing the eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses with the ISO rating of 12,312 are recommended, as other alternatives like exposed photographic film or homemade smoke glasses can be unsafe.

Where to Watch the Eclipse

Several locations in and around Asheville are hosting events for the public to observe the eclipse safely. From the North Carolina Arboretum to Southwestern Community College in Sylva and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Transylvania County, there are options for interested individuals to witness this celestial event. The University of North Carolina Asheville Society of Physics Students is also organizing a free viewing day to educate attendees on the science behind the eclipse.

With the next total solar eclipse in North America not occurring until 2044, this upcoming eclipse is a rare opportunity for residents of Asheville and Western North Carolina to witness a significant astronomical event. Whether studying the effects on nature or simply marveling at the sight, the 2024 eclipse promises to be a memorable experience for all who observe it.