For four minutes the world will go dark. As stunning as the event will be, everyone must remember to also stay safe during this time.

On April 8th at 12:14 PM, a total solar eclipse will take place. On this day, the moon will pass between the sun and earth completely blocking the face of the sun, encasing everyone in darkness. These kinds of eclipses aren’t seen very often, only appearing every four hundred years. Last year’s annular eclipse only partially covered the sun, but this year’s total solar eclipse will cover the whole sun. 

Solar eclipse glasses are dark enough to keep a dangerous amount of light from getting into your eyes, so viewers must be sure to wear this protective eyewear to properly view the eclipse. Looking directly at the eclipse can cause serious damage to the eyes, such as retina burn which can occur quickly and be permanent. Glasses for this event can be purchased at local stores in Boerne, and the Boerne public library often gives eclipse glasses away for free. 

The Hill Country will be facing a rapidly increasing population due to the amount of people that will be coming in to watch and/or document the event. Many cities in the viewing path have already issued a city wide emergency announcement for citizens to prepare.

Safety experts warn that this could create dangerous and busy traffic conditions as people make their way into the Hill Country. Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving as this could cause accidents.  

Only when the sun is completely blocked is it safe to look at the eclipse with the naked eye, but viewers must wear the eclipse glasses during the early stages of the total solar eclipse. 

“Only during totality — when the sun’s face is completely blocked — is it safe to look at the totally eclipsed sun’s corona with the naked eye. At all other times, including during the partial phase of the eclipse, you must wear certified solar eclipse glasses to view the sun,” says Space.com

It is advised that once the eclipse is in totality viewers take their glasses off in order to actually see the total solar eclipse. As soon as the sun starts to peak out immediately put the glasses back on. 

While viewing the eclipse, stay safe and have fun!