Preparing for the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Burlington VT
Do you live in or around Burlington, Vermont? If so, you are in the perfect position for the experience of a lifetime. What has been touted as the “2024 Great American Total Solar Eclipse” will be appearing over the Green Mountain State on April 8, 2024.
In fact, a large portion of the state will experience totality during this celestial event. Totality means that the moon will completely cover the sun, creating a blackout for several minutes.
Can You See the Solar Eclipse in Burlington, Vermont?
Yes! It will be possible to see the 2024 solar eclipse in Burlington, Vermont.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun, which casts a shadow on the Earth, blocking the sun’s light. As the moon’s shadow moves across the Earth’s surface, different areas will experience blackout conditions. This path is referred to as the path of totality.
This path is around 125 miles wide and will begin in western Mexico, move across 13 states, then into Canada, and end in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Many people who have seen totality in the past (which occurred in other areas of the U.S. in 2017) have stated it’s an amazing event that can be extremely emotional. When the eclipse begins, the atmosphere will be almost eerie and darkening. Some describe this as being a 360-degree sunset. Animals will head for shelter, birds will roost, and crickets will emerge, believing it’s night.
As the darkening continues, brighter planets and stars will be visible. As the moon covers the last slivers of the sun, you can see Baily’s Beads, also called the diamond ring effect. This is when the sun’s rays still shine at the edges not covered by the moon. At totality, the solar corona, the sun’s atmosphere, will become visible. It has been described as looking like a black solar disk.
What Time Will the 2024 Eclipse Happen?
For those who live in and around Burlington, you are in the perfect location to experience totality. A great location is St. Alban’s City, which is at the center line and will have three and a half minutes of totality. This is one of the longest durations in the U.S.
Burlington is another great option. Here you will experience three minutes and 15 seconds of totality. Another location is Montpelier’s state capital, which is just south of the center line and will see 90 seconds of totality.
The eclipse will begin at 2:14 p.m. EDT.
Some cities in Vermont do not lie in the path of totality, which means people in these areas will only see a partial solar eclipse. Some areas where the partial solar eclipse can be seen include Dorset, Bennington, Manchester, and Brattleboro. While you can see an amazing partial eclipse in these areas, you will not have a view of the sun’s corona. If you live in these areas and want to experience totality, it is worth taking a short drive north to Burlington.
How Long Will the 2024 Solar Eclipse Last?
Since Burlington is almost directly on the center line for the path of totality, those in this area will see three and a half minutes of totality. However, the eclipse in all the stages will last over two hours.
It is something that everyone should view and be present for. It is an event that will not happen in the area again until 2099, which means most people have just one opportunity to experience it.
Safely view the 2024 Solar Eclipse, and buy Eclipse Glasses online today!
