The Last Total Solar Eclipse for 20 Years Is Happening Today

The solar eclipse we've all been waiting for will be happening this afternoon. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun, casting its shadow on the earth and blocking out view of the sun for a few minutes. In Burlington, we're expected to see about 96% totality at 3:27 PM.

The next total solar eclipse that will be seen in North America won't happen for 2o years, and this one is special for a lot of reasons—not least of which is that this is a time of heightened solar activity and there's a chance we'll see some cool sun antics. The weather is supposed to be warm and sunny for most of the day, too, which will make standing outside to watch the event all the more enjoyable. Clouds are scheduled to move in right as the event reaches totality, but if we all collectively blow hard enough maybe we can hold them off for a half-hour or so.

We'd be remiss if we didn't remind you not to look directly at the sun at any point, especially with a magnification tool such as a telescope or that aren't fitted with solar filters. Ensure your glasses are certified, or use a pinhole viewer or other method.

The event for PreK-5 students and their families, planned by the Science Center, received an overwhelming amount of interest at over 500 RSVPs! If you will be attending this event, plan to arrive with plenty of time to find parking on-site or within walking distance from the Recreation Department. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear in case of a muddy outdoor field, and bring your own glasses if you have them, as the Science Center only has enough supplies to provide one per family.

Other places to view the event might include Blue Sky Drive, Simonds Park, Wildwood Park, or other open, high-elevation areas.