Tips to View Solar Eclipse 2024 & Buy Custom Solar Eclipse Glasses

For the first time since 2017, the United States will have the chance to see a total solar eclipse. Total solar eclipses occur every year or two, depending on the Moon’s orbit, but they are usually over an ocean or in remote locations. 

There is a 115 mile wide path of totality across North America that will allow you to see this cosmic phenomenon. We’ve put together this guide to help you plan how to see what’s been dubbed The Great North American Eclipse, including where to buy solar eclipse glasses. (Hint: it’s at 4AllPromos!)

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse is the perfect moment when our Sun, Moon, and the Earth all line up. The Moon will be in front of the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth as it blocks the light. There are 4 types of solar eclipses:

• Total Solar Eclipse - The Moon completely covers the Sun and a shadow, or umbra,  of darkness on the Earth’s surface, briefly turning day into night. 
• Partial Solar Eclipse - Part of the Sun is blocked, and a partial shadow of the moon, a penumbra, covers the Sun, making it look like a bite is taken out of the Sun. 
• Annular Solar Eclipse - This occurs when the moon is further away from the Sun, so it doesn’t completely block the light. A ring of shining light, sometimes called the ring of fire, will circle the moon. 
• Hybrid Solar Eclipse - A hybrid eclipse is a rare celestial event where, in certain locations, the Moon’s shadow appears as a total eclipse, but in other locations, observers see the ring of fire from the annular eclipse.

Why is this solar eclipse so special? The 2024 solar eclipse is special because it will be passing over very densely populated cities. The eclipse path will travel over Mexico, from Texas to Maine in the USA, and through Canada at Quebec to Prince Edward Island. NASA estimates 31.6 million people live in the path of totality, more than 2.5 times the number of people who were able to see the 2017 eclipse.  

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse? A solar eclipse is when the Moon moves to block the sun and a shadow is cast on Earth, while a lunar eclipse is when Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, with a shadow cast on the Moon. One main difference between the two eclipses is that you need protective eyewear to safely experience a solar eclipse.

Put Your Logo on Custom Solar Eclipse Glasses Today

How to Prepare to See the 2024 Solar Eclipse

Watching the next total solar eclipse will be an awe-inspiring experience. It’s important to be prepared so you don’t miss the moment, and safe to protect your eyes. 

1. Choose A Location

On eclipse day, the narrow path of totality will be visible from the South Pacific Ocean to the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. In the US, the partial eclipse begins in Texas at 12:23 p.m. CDT and will end in Maine at 4:40 p.m. EDT. Totality will only last about 2 minutes. 

NASA has listed these locations and times (opens in a new window) to help you plan and prepare to see the event:

If you live in a major metropolitan area, you may consider sneaking outside of the city to catch the eclipse. Light pollution and low light triggers may interfere with your ability to experience the eclipse.

2. Check the Weather

We know you can’t control the weather, but it is something to pay attention to leading up to eclipse day. A clear sky is best for seeing all the phases of a solar eclipse. Clouds will impact the ability to see the Moon moving into and out of the Sun’s light.

However, unlike a lunar eclipse that can be ruined by a cloudy night, the daytime darkness of a solar eclipse will still happen rain or shine. 

3. Understand the Phases of a Solar Eclipse

There are 5 phases to be aware of during a total solar eclipse. 

1. First Contact - The partial eclipse begins and a small bite is taken out of the Sun.
2. Second Contact - Total eclipse begins. During Second Contact, as the Moon moves into position, you may experience special phenomena called “Baily’s Beads” caused by the sunlight shining through lunar valleys.
3. Totality - The Moon covers the Sun entirely. The Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, that is normally obscured by the Sun’s light, will be visible.  
4. Third Contact - The Moon begins to move away from the Sun, ending the total eclipse. You may be able to see a “diamond ring” effect as the Sun starts to peek over the Moon. 
5. Fourth Contact - This is the end of the partial eclipse and the Moon will uncover the Sun completely, with daylight returning to normal. 

4. Stock Up On Proper Eye Protection

Never look directly at the Sun without appropriate eye protection. Solar viewing glasses must meet ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. Sunglasses, even if they are very dark, are not safe for looking directly at the Sun. 

Don’t fret! At 4AllPromos we carry a handful of varieties of solar eclipse glasses that you can customize with your logo. 

Get Your Solar Eclipse Glasses Now! 

5. Make a Pinhole Projector

Making a pinhole projector is a simple and safe way to view a solar eclipse with the naked eye. This method projects an image of the sun onto a surface, allowing you to watch the event without looking directly at the sun. Here’s how you can make one:

1. Gather two pieces of white cardstock or stiff paper, a pin or a needle, aluminum foil, tape, and a paper clip or a thumbtack.
2. Take one piece of cardstock and make a small, clean hole in the center using a pin or a needle. This will be your pinhole.
3. Create a projection screen with the second piece of cardstock. The image of the sun will be projected here. You can use a nearby wall or the ground if you only have one piece of cardstock. 
4. Make the image of the sun clearer by covering the hole in the first piece of cardstock with a small piece of aluminum foil. Tape the foil over the hole, and then poke a hole in the foil with the pin. This creates a sharper and more defined pinhole that can improve the quality of the projected image.
5. To view the eclipse stand with your back towards the sun. Hold the cardstock with the pinhole closer to the sun, and the second piece of cardstock about a foot or two away from it, facing you. The sunlight will pass through the pinhole and project an image of the sun onto the second piece of cardstock.
6. Adjust the distance between the two pieces of cardstock to focus the image and change its size. The farther apart the cardstock pieces are, the larger but fainter the projected image will be.

Get Custom Logo Solar Eclipse Glasses for Brand Awareness and Safety

You can throw a viewing party for your employees or spread brand awareness when you put your logo on solar eclipse glasses. These promotional giveaway items will prevent eye damage and let you fully take in all the special phenomena, from the solar corona to the diamond ring. 

We have solar eclipse glasses for adults and kids, so no one misses out on the Great American Eclipse. 

Don’t let the solar eclipse pass you in a blink! Hurry and order your custom promotional solar eclipse glasses and safely watch day turn to night. 

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