Total Solar Eclipse
April 8, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024, will be the last US total solar eclipse for the next twenty years. While we will not have a view offering the perspective of totality, we can see a partial eclipse from the Denver area.
DAS is holding an eclipse-watching party on the south lawn of DU’s historic Chamberlin Observatory from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DAS volunteers will show you the eclipse through specially filtered telescopes and other equipment set up on the observatory’s south lawn.
There will not be any tours of the Chamberlin Observatory during this event, however, restrooms will be available on the first floor.
If you are a member of Denver media and would like to speak to DAS about the eclipse, please email our media coordinator, Ron Hranac.
“Ring of Fire” Annular Eclipse
October 14, 2023
In the USA, the annular solar eclipse begins in Eugene, OR at 10:13 am MDT and ends in Corpus Christie, TX at 11:03 am MDT.
While this year’s eclipse will be visible from hundreds of national parks in the Four Corners region of the United States, one of the most rewarding destinations to view the event will be in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the eclipse will provide a spectacular highlight to their annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, taking place October 7th through the 15th.
Our friends at the Albuquerque Astronomical Society have a dedicated page for the Annular Eclipse at https://taas.org/ring-of-fire-annular-solar-eclipse/. Check back often for information related to venues and locations for group viewing.
For details about events and viewing locations in New Mexico, visit https://nmculture.org/new-mexico-eclipse
What is an eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves directly in line between the Earth and the Sun, blocking direct sunlight. The closer the Moon is to the Earth, the more of the Sun it hides from view.
Image courtesy of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Annular Eclipse
When the Moon is farthest away from the Earth, it appears smaller in the sky and cannot fully cover the Sun, resulting in what is affectionately known as a “Ring of Fire” around the Moon.
Photo credit: NASA/Bill Dunford, 2017
Total Eclipse
When the Moon is closer to the Earth, it appears larger in the sky and covers the entire Sun if you happen to be standing in the center of the Moon’s shadow. With clear skies, you can see the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or “corona.”
Photo Credit: NASA/MSFC/Joseph Matus, 2017
Solar Viewing Safety
• NEVER look directly at the sun without proper eye protection.
• ALWAYS inspect your eye protection before EACH use. If torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, DESTROY and DISCARD the device.
• Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are NOT safe for viewing the Sun
• ALWAYS supervise children using solar viewers.
• DO NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers in combination with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes.
DAS Denver Eclipse Watch Party
Kalamazoo Astronomical Society Eclipse Resources
How to Safely View a Solar Eclipse (PDF)
How to Photograph the Sun: Sunrise, Sunset, Eclipses
PUNCH Solar Outreach Materials
American Astronomical Society Eclipse Page
2024 NASA Solar Eclipse Overview
NASA Annular Solar Eclipse Training