FIRST ALERT: What will we see here at home from the Great American Eclipse

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - You’ll want to look up on April 8 but with the right glasses.

The next solar eclipse will be visible across the country and you’ll get to see at least part of it in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.

WHAT IS A SOLAR ECLIPSE

A solar eclipse happens when the sun and moon align, and the moon blocks the sun completely casting its shadow on the earth. Where 100% of the sun is blocked by the moon is called the path of totality. The April 8 path of totality will run from Texas, through the Midwest and up through New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.

THIS YEAR’S ECLIPSE

Unlike 2017, when the path of totality passed through parts of our area, this year’s eclipse will only be a partial eclipse. It will start on at 1:56 p.m. on Monday April 8 and ends at 4:27 p.m.

The Grand Strand will be able to see around 70% of the sun covered by the moon at the height of the eclipse and it won’t last long.

Even though we won’t see total totality, we will see some effects by 3:13 p.m. when the partial eclipse will reach its peak.

While there won’t be a noticeable darkening of the sky, it’s still worth checking out if you have eclipse glasses.

Remember you’re looking at the sun, so if you’re going to watch the eclipse it’s important to protect your eyes by wearing eclipse-safe glasses.

If you don’t want to spend money on them, you can make them at home.

FIRST ALERT | How to make a homemade eclipse viewer

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