Our Backyard Eclipse View and Stacey Visits

 There was a great benefit in moving to southern Maine. On April 8th, 2024, we experienced 95% totality of the Total Solar Eclipse! All we had to do was walk outside onto our deck, armed with official Eclipse glasses. The timing was perfect as our friend Stacey was in New England at a conference (up from our former home town in Maryland), so she stayed with us for the big event! 

(Photo: 95% Totality from of the Eclipse at 3:30pm ET from our backyard / Rob, Stacey, Tom, Traci and Matt prepping for the eclipse.)

 

AMAZING! It was so amazing to see the moon move across the face of the Sun. It took about 1 hour to reach 95% Totality from of the Eclipse at 3:30pm ET. It took another hour for the sun's disk to be fully visible again. We also invited our neighbors over to see the eclipse. I bought a bunch of glasses to ensure we were covered.

CONDITIONS WE NOTICED - The sky darkened of course, and the temperature dropped from 67 degrees Fahrenheit to about 60F. Then the mosquitoes came out!!  It all only lasted about 25 minutes, (10 before and 4 minutes of eclipse, and 10 minutes afterward). 

(Photo right: The sky darkens as the eclipse nears 95% totality on April 8, 2024. Credit: R.G.) 

 

WHAT IS A SOLAR ECLIPSE? When the Earth, Moon, and Sun line up in space, we can see an eclipse. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

(Animation from NOAA-20 satellite of what the eclipse shadow looked like on April 8, 2024 crossing the U.S. from Texas to Maine. Credit: NOAA)

 ECLIPSE GLASSES - You must never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, such as safe solar viewing glasses (eclipse glasses). Eclipse glasses are NOT the same as regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing the Sun. During a total solar eclipse, you must wear your eclipse glasses (or use other solar filters) to view the Sun directly during the partial eclipse phase.

(Photo: WGME-TV captured this image of the total solar eclipse 1 hour north of us in Houlton, Maine. Credit: WGME) 

1 HOUR NORTH- A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE- Had we fought traffic and crazy crowds, we could've tried to see the total eclipse, but it was much more fun from our backyard.  

STACEY'S VISIT- Stacey was only visiting for 2 nights and 1 1/2 days, but we took her to downtown Dover, NH to see the river and waterfalls, a lunch at the Breakfast #319 restaurant in an historic train station in Somersworth, NH and of course, a Mexican restaurant! :) 

For many years back in Maryland, Stacey would let our dogs out and take care of them for us. They immediately remembered their Aunt Stacey and were so excited to see her.

In fact, Tyler crawled up on the couch one night and fell asleep on her lap!  It was a short, but wonderful visit, PLUS an eclipse!

 Tyler, Dash and Cody were excited to see their aunt Stacey visit from MD during the weekend of the eclipse. 

Visit someone and make their day, as Stacey made ours.