In a little over a week, a total solar eclipse will leave millions of people across North America in temporary darkness.
If you miss 2024’s celestial event, the next opportunity to glimpse a total solar eclipse in the U.S. is a mere 20 years away, when Montana and North Dakota will slip into darkness in 2044.
Though not in the path of totality for 2024’s eclipse, Asheville will experience approximately 85% of the eclipse during its peak on April 8, making it one of the best locations to view the event in North Carolina.
Wondering when you should put on your eclipse glasses or looking for an event to attend the day of the eclipse? Here’s what you should know.
What is a total solar eclipse?
According to NASA, a “total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.”
When is the eclipse for Asheville?
On April 8 in Asheville, the eclipse will begin at 1:51 p.m., according to NASA. Maximum coverage from the eclipse will take place at 3:09 p.m., when the moon will cover most of the sun’s disk in the Asheville-area. The eclipse ends at 4:24 p.m.
Protection required for viewing
Viewing an eclipse without protective eyewear can cause severe eye injury or blindness. To prevent injury, eclipse watchers should use solar eclipse glasses ISO rated 12,312.
The American Astronomical Society has instructions on how to safely view or create devices to view the eclipse at https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/projection.
Educational opportunities aplenty in WNC as the eclipse approaches. Here are a few to consider:
Asheville breweries are hosting eclipse events. Here are a few:
- Fairview’s Turgua Brewing Co. will hold a viewing party at 2 p.m. April 8 for the eclipse, where the brewery will be handing out a limited number of viewing glasses.
- At an Highland Brewing’s Rooftop 2 p.m. event, the brewery will hand out eclipse glasses to the first 100 guests.
- The Whale will be hosting an eclipse-viewing party from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Attendees can receive viewing glasses and as the brewery pours $5 Pivo Pils pints.
Looking for another eclipse opportunity?
- The Nantahala Outdoor Center will host multiple viewing opportunities with glasses during rafting and mountain zip line activities. With a 88% partial eclipse, the event lasts from 1p.m.-5p.m. April 8, with tickets ranging from $79-$139, according to the Nantahala Outdoor Center website.
- Grandfather Mountain will be hosting an April 8 event from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. where viewers can enjoy the eclipse in a designated area. The first 100 guests will receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses for free with admission. Tickets can be bought at https://grandfather.com/tickets/.
Bring eclipse glasses: Protect little eyes during the eclipse
More: What time is 2024 solar eclipse? Best place to see eclipse in WNC? Search your ZIP code
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at [email protected].
Dr. Sarah Adams is a scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to all. Her articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
