On April 8, the skies will offer a rare spectacle as a total solar eclipse crosses North America, the last solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044. In celebration of this extraordinary event, Virginia State Parks invites visitors to witness the celestial wonder firsthand.
The solar eclipse, a natural phenomenon where the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow on Earth, promises a breathtaking experience for all who witness it, reported public relations and marketing specialist Starr Anderson. Virginia State Parks, renowned for pristine natural settings and commitment to environmental education, provide an ideal backdrop for observing this awe-inspiring event.
With 42 state parks across Virginia, visitors will have ample opportunities to find the perfect spot to witness the eclipse. To enhance the viewing experience, Virginia State Parks will host educational programs led by knowledgeable park rangers.
Some parks are offering eclipse events prior to April 8, giving visitors the chance to learn how to be a safe observer, explore the science behind the eclipse and in some cases, make pinhole viewers. For a schedule of solar eclipse events offered through April 8, go to dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/solar-eclipse.
What visitors will see during the solar eclipse depends on the weather and the park’s location.
Local parks
Belle Isle State Park, 1632 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster, will host the Great North American Eclipse Watch Party from 1-4 p.m. at the Visitor Center. A short information session will….
Note: NASA reminds folks not to view the solar eclipse without proper viewing glasses. Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. In the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, the sun will not be totally blocked during the April 8 event, so don’t look at it without proper viewing glasses.
Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
