On October 14 an annular solar eclipse will occur over parts of the southwestern United States. Annular (which means ‘ring-shaped’) eclipses are not as spectacular as total eclipses, such as the one which will be happening on April 8, 2024, because annular eclipses happen when the moon is farther away from Earth, and therefore doesn’t block the sun completely when it crosses in front of it. Instead, a ‘ring of fire’ effect is created, giving the appearance of a dark disk (the moon) surrounded by the bright outer edge of the sun. The skies do not darken like they do during a total solar eclipse.
While West Plains is not in the path of total coverage for the October event and will not be treated to the ring of fire, there will be an approximate 60 percent ‘bite’ taken out of the sun at maximum coverage which will occur in downtown West Plains at 11:56 a.m. To be able to look at the sun and see how it is being partially eclipsed by the moon, solar glasses – also called eclipse glasses – will be needed. The glasses can be purchased for $2 per pair at the West Plains Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
City of West Plains Tourism Director Melissa Wharton says, “Now is the perfect time to get your solar glasses. You can use them to see the annular eclipse and keep them to use for the April 8 total solar eclipse. Solar glasses can actually be used to look at the sun at any time, but they must be ISO-certified and from a reputable supplier. Our West Plains-branded glasses meet all safety requirements when used properly.”
Multiple experts note that the only time it is ever safe to look directly at the sun without special-purpose solar filter eye protection is during a total eclipse such as the one West Plains will experience next April. For the duration of totality – when the sun will be completely blocked from view by the moon – glasses can be safely removed to enjoy the special event. For the downtown West Plains area, the April eclipse will last just over three minutes. In the time leading up to and following totality, when the moon will be moving toward the sun and then away from view, solar glasses must be worn to prevent eye damage. Regular sunglasses are not adequate protection.
In addition to the Welcome Center, there are other places to purchase the glasses in West Plains, including: Country At Heart, #2 Ct. Square, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays; Ream Optometry, 760 Kentucky St., open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Fridays; and Vision Xpress, 1713 Gibson St., open 9 a.m-5 p.m., Mondays-Fridays.
The October eclipse event coincides with the Downtown Fall Block Party. Welcome Center staffers will be at the event offering eclipse glasses and other merchandise for sale and answering questions about the festival being planned for next April. Wharton said, “The Block Party is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s perfect timing for viewing the annular eclipse which begins with the moon starting to inch over the sun at 10:29 a.m. and ends when it exits the path of sunlight completely at 1:28 p.m. Plan to stop by and see us and enjoy fall festival fun!”
For more information about the 2024 eclipse and the “Party in the Path” activities scheduled for April 5-8, like and follow Eclipse West Plains and Explore West Plains on Facebook.
