The moon passes between the Earth and sun this Monday, giving the United States its most dramatic solar eclipse in years. So what does it mean for Las Vegas? Well, we won’t see the full eclipse, but we’ll still get a show.
☀️ Why is the Eclipse a Big Deal?
A total eclipse takes place about once every 18 months. However, any specific location will only experience a full eclipse every 366 years. This one is extra special, passing through about 15 states, from Texas through Maine, giving Americans unusually widespread access to the experience.
🤔 How Much of the Eclipse Will Be Visible in Vegas?
Las Vegas won’t get the full eclipse (in total darkness), but won’t be entirely left out either. The eclipse is estimated to begin at 10:12 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. with just over 51% of the sun covered at the peak moment of 11:19 a.m. The Reno Gazette Journal has a nice online tool that activates an animation of the eclipse based on an individual zip code.
👁️🗨️ The Best Way to View the Eclipse?
No matter what, don’t look directly at the sun, during an eclipse or otherwise — but especially during an eclipse — with the naked eye. And don’t use regular sunglasses, no matter how strong or dark you think they are. Wear ISO-certified glasses, available at stores like Walmart, Lowes, and 7-Eleven. Online retailers like Amazon are a crapshoot since it can be hard to tell reliable vendors apart from those selling counterfeit or inadequate products.
🫣 Any Other Options?
There’s always the cardboard box pinhole projector trick, which is far less satisfying, but a safe alternative if you can’t find reliable glasses. The Dale Etheridge Planetarium at the College of Southern Nevada (3200 E. Cheyenne Ave.) is hosting an Eclipse Spectacular viewing event with safe equipment for watching the eclipse and educational activities for kids from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
