Mark your calendars! On April 8, 2024, nature is set to put on an awe-inspiring show, with a total solar eclipse sweeping over Vermont. The closest location to experience full coverage from Killington is Burlington, just under two hours away, and it’s worth the trip to witness this unique phenomenon.
A total solar eclipse is a rare event where the moon comes between the sun and the Earth, completely obscuring the sun's rays and casting a shadow upon the Earth's surface. It's a humbling spectacle you're sure to remember forever.
So, what can you expect? As totality nears, the day will give way to twilight. Birds may go silent, stars will appear in the sky, street lights will turn on, and the temperature may even drop a bit. At the moment of totality, when the moon fully blocks the sun, you'll see the sun's corona - its outer atmosphere - glow like a halo around the moon. This is the only time the corona is visible to the naked eye, a sight truly to behold.
Preparation is key for a safe and memorable eclipse viewing. The most important advice: NEVER look directly at the sun without appropriate eye protection. Regular sunglasses won't cut it - make sure to buy ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses and pre-order them because as the event approaches, stores will likely sell out. Besides your glasses, consider packing a picnic, a comfortable chair, or a blanket, and settle in to catch all the amazing aspects of a solar eclipse.
Total solar eclipses are rare marvels. Any given location on Earth experiences one approximately every 375 years on average. In fact, the last time Vermont was in the path of totality was way back in 1925! So, this is an extraordinary opportunity not to be missed. Plan to make a day of it in Burlington, take in the local sights, and cap it off with this once-in-a-lifetime event.