We’re getting up close and personal with the Big Shake 2 slot machine from our friends at Eclipse Gaming. This game comes with six jackpots, special features, and a cute little Gopher named Jackpot that rides a fire hose! You control that hose manually from a slider, directing where the coins fall onto the deck below! Big wins await!
Big Shake 2 from Eclipse Gaming injects fresh energy into the popular arcade-style slot genre by building on its predecessor’s strengths while adding new bonus mechanics and a playful mascot. The sequel preserves the coin-pusher simulation that made the original Big Shake a hit, using a real-time physics engine to mimic virtual coins being pushed off a shelf and into a tray.
In Big Shake 2, the game revolves around a 3×3 reel grid, and at maximum bet a special symbol can deposit six coins into the upper coin tray — potentially pushing coins (and credits) off the ledge for awards. But the real standout features lie in the bonus rounds that make the game more interactive and rewarding.
The Rapid-Fire Bonus triggers when certain symbols land, summoning “Jackpot the Gopher” to the screen. A timer runs between five and 25 seconds, and the player uses a press-and-slide lever to direct virtual coins from a hose toward “mini-gems” that can yield big prizes.
The Gold Rush Bonus activates when coin symbols appear on the first two reels along with a Gold Rush symbol on the third. A gate opens and a torrent of coins pours down, offering opportunities to hit Minor or Major jackpots — the only way to win them. Additionally, a Second Chance Re-Spin Bonus gives players another shot at improving outcomes after certain spins.
Eclipse describes Big Shake 2 as “feature-forward,” meaning that the bonus mechanics are core to the experience rather than occasional add-ons. The company notes that the original Big Shake was one of its best-performing games, and Big Shake 2 builds on that success with updated visuals, enhanced features, and the introduction of Jackpot the Gopher.
In short, Big Shake 2 retains the nostalgic charm and tactile appeal of a coin-pusher arcade while layering on strategic bonus play, mascot-driven interaction, and multiple paths to jackpot wins. You can also find our reviews for the Duck Dollars casino game and Xingyun San slot machine, both from Eclipse Gaming, right here on our website.
A total lunar eclipse will be visible across Israel tonight, turning the moon red from 6:28 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. under clear skies. Here’s when and how to watch.
A total lunar eclipse, a relatively rare astronomical phenomenon, will be visible from across Israel this evening. The event began at 6:28 p.m. and will last nearly six hours.
The eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the moon’s surface. This precise alignment happens only when the sun, Earth and moon form a straight line. While lunar eclipses take place every few years, they are not always visible from Israel.
As the eclipse progresses, the moon will pass through both the Earth’s partial and full shadows. During its full immersion in the Earth’s shadow, the moon will appear deep red. This occurs because the Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of light while allowing longer red wavelengths to pass through and reach the lunar surface.
When and where to watch
Although the moon will rise over Israel at 6:51 p.m., the eclipse itself will have already begun at 6:28 p.m. when the moon enters the Earth’s partial shadow. At this point, the dimming is subtle and not easily visible to the naked eye.
Various stages of the moon as seen throughout Israel. (credit: Yuval Halbani/TPS)
At 7:29 p.m., the moon will begin moving into the Earth’s full shadow. Darkness will gradually spread across the surface of the moon until it is almost completely covered.
The eclipse will reach its peak at 9:11 p.m., when the moon is fully inside the Earth’s shadow and takes on a glowing red color. This stage will continue until 9:52 p.m. The moon will then slowly exit the shadow. The partial eclipse ends at 10:56 p.m., and the entire event concludes at 11:55 p.m.
A rare viewing opportunity
Total lunar eclipses occur on average every two to three years, but visibility depends on location. In this case, viewing conditions are expected to be ideal, with clear skies forecast across much of the country.
For those who miss this eclipse, the next one partially visible in Israel will occur in March 2026. A fully visible total eclipse is not expected again until August 2028.
How to capture it on camera
Photographing the eclipse does not require professional equipment. Even smartphones can produce impressive results. To improve photo quality, it is recommended to use a tripod to stabilize the device and switch to night mode if available. Optical zoom is preferable to digital zoom for maintaining image clarity.
Manually adjusting the focus and exposure settings will help retain detail and avoid overly bright images. Lowering the screen brightness can also help prevent glare. For better magnification and sharper results, an external lens is a helpful addition.
We have a look at the Big and Bad Howling Wilds slot machine from our friends at Eclipse Gaming! We speak with Tamara Johnston, Senior Game Producer and Head of Studio, about the features of this amazing 5 reel, 3 row game with 25 paylines! Delivered on their IMPACT 27, IMPACT 43, and IMPACT 49 game cabinets, Big and Bad Howling Wilds comes with a Random Wilds, Sticky Wilds, Free Games, Jackpots, and of course the Howling Wilds Feature! Sink your teeth into this Big and Bad slot and dive into a howling good time!
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𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: At the beginning of any spin, the Random Wild feature may be triggered. Bats will fly out of the castle and land on the reels. Any position they land on might change into a wild for that spin.
𝗛𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: If the Wild with Eyes symbol is on any active position during a spin, then the Howling Wilds feature may occur at the end of the spin. The wolf will howl at the moon and every Wild with Eyes symbol will transform into a credit value or jackpot. The player is awarded these credits and jackpots in addition to lines wins. This can also occur after the Random Wild feature.
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀: Two or more adjacent Free Games symbols starting on reel one will trigger the Free Games feature. Free Games are played at a 2x multiplier and any Wild with Teeth symbol will stick on the reels for the remainder of free games.
Eclipse Gaming designs entertaining products like the Big and Bad Howling Wilds slot which drive deeper player engagement and memorable gaming experiences, while delivering outstanding performance. They do this with one key goal in mind — to generate powerful results that benefit our partners and directly impact the needs and objectives of their communities.
If you enjoyed this game review and would like to see more titles from Eclipse, please check out our reviews for some of their other games like the Mucho Grande Jackpots game or the Duck Dollars slot machine, with videos for these titles right here on this website.
The total eclipse of the sun led to a “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” for many music fans who streamed the 1983 Bonnie Tyler power ballad to celebrate Monday’s celestial event. The song soared up the music charts during the day and even reached No. 2 on the Apple charts.
On Spotify, streams of the song increased nearly 50% in the U.S. in the week leading up to the eclipse, and the platform expected to see an even higher increase after the eclipse, a Spotify spokesperson told CBS News.
It was also the top song added to users’ eclipse playlists. But other sun- and moon-themed songs were popular tracks for playlists: “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, “Eclipse” by Pink Floyd, “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden were also popular choices.
Searches for the word “eclipse” were up 200% on Spotify over the past week, the spokesperson said.
On YouTube, “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” entered the daily top 100 music video chart and is currently at 84.
Streaming platform Last FM also said the song was the number one song in the U.S. on April 8.
In the power ballad, Tyler croons the line: “Every now and then I fall apart.” On social media, she marked the song’s resurgence with a play on words: “Every now and then it hits the charts,” she wrote.
Tyler also said she had deja vu, remembering in 2021 when there was another eclipse and she started getting inundated with messages.
During the 2017 solar eclipse, Tyler performed the song on Royal Caribbean’s “Total Eclipse Cruise,” backed by Joe Jonas’ DNCE band.
When the song debuted in 1983, it peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was in first place for four weeks. The song spent 29 weeks on the Hot 100
Caitlin O’Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces “The Uplift,” CBS News’ streaming show that focuses on good news.
While millions of people gawked at the skies for an eclipse experience Monday, teams of scientists were running experiments behind the scenes. Edmund Nowak, professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware, joins CBS News to discuss his research.
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On Monday morning, all across the Bay Area, people took time to look up in wonder as the solar system put on a show. The partial eclipse seen in California drew a large crowds to science centers, including the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland.
The Chabot Observatory is usually quiet on Monday mornings, but not this time. A sold-out crowd filled the plaza, doing something their mothers probably warned them about.
“Yeah, we’re definitely going against our basic instincts, right now,” said eclipse viewer Taylor Chan from Morgan Hill. “We’re staring directly at the sun, which is what we’re told not to do!”
But there were all manner of devices to do that safely. From foil safety glasses, to telescopes of all sizes, with filters removing 99.9% of the light.
Kasey Welten finally had a chance to try out her new “smart telescope,” a book-sized viewer that displayed a perfect image of the partial eclipse on her iPhone.
“Yeah, yeah…I was ready!” she said. “I’ve been waiting months for this, so I’m really happy this came along.”
Amateur stargazer Dr. Albert Brooks was eager to show off to others what he could do with a piece of viewing foil and a cereal box.
“Raisin Bran will be excited that Dr. Brooks made a Raisin Bran viewer!” he said with a laugh.
As people outside viewed the partial eclipse, inside, the real show was being televised, as the total eclipse moved up through Mexico and Texas.
It was a breathtaking sight, as the crowd gasped when the sun completely disappeared when the telecast showed the total eclipse from Mazatlan, Mexico.
“Feels so powerful, right? It feels magical, almost! And the aura is really beautiful!” said Christine Millar, visiting with her family from Campbell.
“I just feel lucky to be alive,” said her son, James, “to see the beautiful stuff in this world.”
He was right about being lucky, because Chabot astronomer Gerald McKeegan said we just happen to live on this planet at the perfect time to view such an unlikely celestial event.
“The sun is about 400 times farther away. Coincidentally, the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon. So, the two sets of numbers line up just right so we can see a perfect total solar eclipse,” said McKeegan.
But that won’t last for long, at least in astronomical terms. Because the moon is slowly moving farther away from the Earth at the same time the sun is growing larger.
“So, 200 million years from now, the Sun’s going to be bigger in the sky, and the moon will be smaller in the sky because it’s farther away,” said McKeegan. “Dinosaurs would not have had this, and whoever’s around 200 million years from now, they’re not going to get it either.”
So, this is a special time. But in the rush of their lives, people often lose sight of the natural wonders that surround them every day. Sometimes it takes something magical to bring that back into focus.
“Every once in a while, something like this happens and it reminds us that we are part of a much larger universe,” said McKeegan. “And I think that’s one of the great things about it.”
And just like that, the eclipse was over. The sun and moon parted ways and people went back to their everyday lives. But, perhaps, with the realization that the space we live in is much bigger than we know.
John Ramos accidentally launched a lifelong career in journalism when he began drawing editorial cartoons and writing smart-alecky satire pieces for the Bakersfield High School newspaper.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Did you see the solar eclipse Monday afternoon?
It may have been difficult with the overcast skies we saw across the state, but if you did see it, you witnessed a pretty rare event.
“I actually wanted to see my first eclipse,” said Gavin Olson.
The Bell Museum in St. Paul is known for its natural history, but on Monday was all about astronomy.
“She has no school today and she’s been asking me, ‘How are we going to celebrate the eclipse?’ And just looked around and saw all that they were doing at the Bell Museum,” said Liz Cumblad. “Only once in their childhood so I figured, let’s make the most of it, you know?”
Six-year-old Rosie Cumblad was more than ready.
“The moon blocks the sun and I have glasses,” said Rosie.
The Orion Skyquest Telescope at the museum also has a solar filter so it can block out 99% of the sun’s light for safe eclipse viewing.
Those who did watch saw a partial solar eclipse, with the peak happening at 2 p.m. Minnesota wasn’t in the path of totality, with the moon blocking out about 79% of the sun in our state. Still, it’s a rare sight.
“There was actually a partial eclipse back in October 2023, so it was pretty recent. It’s rare to have two so close by in the U.S.,” said Sally Brummel, planetarium manager.
Brummel said where the moon is and how the Earth is tilted, decides which part of the country sees a total solar eclipse. She said the nearest location for that was Indiana. But that doesn’t mean there was any less intrigue at the Bell.
“People are excited because it doesn’t happen very often, it’s also a way to understand where we are. It has to do with the earth, moon and sun lining up, and understand where these three things in space are, really excites people,” said Brummel.
The next total solar eclipse won’t happen in the U.S. until 2044, although solar eclipses will happen in other parts of the world before then.
John Lauritsen is an Emmy award-winning reporter from Montevideo, Minn. He joined WCCO-TV in late-July of 2007. Two days after he started, the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed.
If you have a headache or eye pain after viewing the solar eclipse—even if you wore eclipse glasses—you’re not alone. But don’t panic. Experts say it’s probably not a sign of serious damage.
Looking straight at the eclipse without protective glasses can potentially cause permanent damage to your vision. It’s dangerous to look directly at an eclipse—except during the period of “totality,” when the sun is entirely covered by the moon—for the same reason it’s never a good idea to stare at the sun: its light can burn your retina, a risk that’s formally known as solar retinopathy.
But if you suffered this kind of damage, you’d be more likely to experience visual disruptions—such as blurriness, light sensitivity, or dark spots—over the following hours, rather than eye pain. The retina doesn’t have pain nerves, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
Headaches can be a symptom of solar retinopathy, AAO says. But in most cases, someone develops a headache because of other vision issues, rather than as a primary symptom, says Dr. Lucia Sobrin, a retina specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
A viewer of the solar eclipse looks to the sky at Main Street Garden Park in Dallas, Texas on April 8, 2024.Jake Dockins for TIME
If you have a headache without accompanying visual issues, you’re almost definitely in the clear, particularly if you wore protective glasses as directed, says Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Most likely, he says, you’re experiencing regular old eye strain, which can make your head hurt.
Focusing on something far in the distance can strain the eyes, Deobhakta says, particularly after wearing dark eclipse glasses that cause the pupils to dilate. “It’s very similar to when people stare at a screen for a long time in the dark,” he says.
Or, Sobrin adds, you could just be feeling the effects of light sensitivity after staring at the sky in a way you usually don’t.
In most cases, headaches and eye pain should fade within a few hours of viewing the eclipse, Deobhakta says, though you can always consult a physician if you’re worried. Like the eclipse, “this too shall pass,” he says.
The arrival of the total solar eclipse in the US has brought with it an impressive array of photographs as well. If you weren’t able to find a spot to view the eclipse in person—or if it was stuck behind uncooperative clouds—you can at least get a sense of its grandeur through these photographs taken at different points along its journey.
The path of totality began in Mexico on Monday morning, working its way up through Texas by early afternoon. By 4:40 pm ET, it will have left the US entirely and headed into Canada. If you’re in or near its path, make sure to put on approved sunglasses—or make your own pinhole—to view it for yourself. And if you happen to have pets or live near wildlife, NASA could use a hand figuring out how animals respond to the eclipse.
Otherwise, enjoy these incredible photos of a total solar eclipse in North America. The next one is 20 years away.
The sky dimmed and a chill blew through as the moon moved into place to partially block the sun on Monday afternoon; spectators at the National Mall in D.C. burst into applause at the sight of a rare solar eclipse.
The sky dimmed and a chill blew through as the moon moved into place to partially block the sun on Monday afternoon; thousands of spectators on the National Mall in D.C. burst into applause at the sight of a rare solar eclipse.
Eclipse glasses in hand, millions of people around the D.C. area and across the U.S. paused to look up while the solar eclipse unfolded.
Thousands of those people lined the National Mall, sitting in the grass and gazing up. Among the onlookers was Sarah Hewes, who brought her two kids along to watch.
“It’s just one of those really unique human experience that brings everyone together,” Hewes said. It’s nice it’s a good reminder of what makes our spot in the universe beautiful and wonderful.
While those in the D.C. region weren’t in the path of totality, area residents could spot a partial solar eclipse. A few passing clouds and warm temperatures made for an ideal forecast for viewing.
The new moon began crossing the face of the sun at 2:04 p.m. The sun was obscured 89% at maximum eclipse at 3:20 p.m. And by 4:32 p.m., the eclipse had ended.
Some of those who snagged a spot on the National Mall are in from out of town. One traveler from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, said he came to D.C. for the cherry blossoms and to check out the monuments, but stuck around for the eclipse.
“We learned yesterday that they were having an actual eclipse festival. We decided to tag along,” he told WTOP. “It seemed like a good place to put out a blanket and relax.”
Earlier on Monday, thousands of people lined up on the National Mall to get last-minute safety glasses for viewing the eclipse as part of an festival hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. A spokesperson told WTOP’s Nick Iannelli that event organizers passed out more than 2,500 pairs.
What did kids think of the solar eclipse?
Some local schools created a learning opportunity out of Monday’s eclipse. Kids at Colvin Run Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia, sat in the grass, some in lawn chairs and looked awe-struck at the solar eclipse.
Some students told WTOP the sight of the shielded sun reminded them of a cookie with a bite taken out of it.
Outside of the free glasses, the museum offered telescopes and supplies for making a pinhole projector to safely watch the eclipse and other educational materials.
“We’re here to just educate folks who have down to the mall about how incredible the eclipse is, how it changes our earth and our climate,” said Shellie Pick, who’s with the Smithsonian Science Education Center. “Just spreading science today!”
Crowds gathered on the National Mall gaze up.
(WTOP/Nick Iannelli)
WTOP/Nick Iannelli
Dozens of people take in the solar eclipse nearby the U.S. Capitol in D.C.
(WTOP/Mitchell Miller)
WTOP/Mitchell Miller
Elementary school students in Fairfax County, Virginia, gaze at the solar eclipse.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)
WTOP/Kyle Cooper
Students at Colvin Run Elementary School are watching as the solar eclipse unfolds.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)
WTOP/Kyle Cooper
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)
WTOP/Kyle Cooper
Solar eclipse viewers are snagging spots on the National Mall for witnessing the phenomenon.
(WTOP/Nick Iannelli)
WTOP/Nick Iannelli
In the D.C. area, the new moon will begin crossing the face of the sun at 2:04 p.m.
(WTOP/Nick Iannelli)
WTOP/Nick Iannelli
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum hosted festival ahead on the National Mall April 8, 2024.
(WTOP/Nick Iannelli)
WTOP/Nick Iannelli
Hundreds of people lined up for free solar eclipse glasses, shortly before the event began April 8, 2024.
(WTOP/Nick Iannelli)
WTOP/Nick Iannelli
Statue of Franklin Roosevelt with eclipse glasses on April 8, 2024.
(Courtesy Ron Cohn)
Courtesy Ron Cohn
Statue of John Ericsson at the John Ericsson Memorial in Southwest D.C. with eclipse glasses.
(Courtesy Ron Cohn)
Courtesy Ron Cohn
What you need to know about solar eclipses
A total eclipse happens when the moon lines up perfectly between Earth and the sun, blocking all sunlight. Monday’s solar event almost twice as long, with an even wider audience, than the total solar eclipse that stretched across the U.S. in 2017.
It lasted around 4 minutes and 28 seconds at its peak for those in its path of total darkness, which stretches from Mexico’s Pacific coast, crosses into Texas and 14 other U.S. states, before it exited over Canada.
North America won’t experience another coast-to-coast total solar eclipse for 21 years — that one will stretch from Northern California to Cape Canaveral, Florida.
More on the solar eclipse:
If you missed looking toward the sky, NASA streamed telescope views of the sun.
From educational events on the National Mall and the University of Maryland to nature-centered viewings at parks across Virginia, there are a number of viewing parties across the D.C. area. Check out WTOP’s full list of events.
Solar eclipse deals and specials
Many businesses are taking advantage of the total solar eclipse to promote special deals and events. Fast food chains and snack brands are selling limited edition versions of their products nationally. Airlines such as Southwest and Delta have advertised eclipse-viewing flight paths.
WTOP’s Emily Venezky, Greg Redfern and The Associated Press contributed to this report. WTOP’s Nick Iannelli reported from the National Mall in D.C. and WTOP’s Kyle Cooper reported from Fairfax County, Virginia.
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The total solar eclipse first made landfall along Mexico’s Pacific coast before moving on to Texas, and photographers in both locations captured breathtaking images as the moon began to cover the sun.
The moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, April 8, 2024.
AP Photo/Eric Gay
A partial solar eclipse is seen from Mazatlan, Mexico, on April 8, 2024.
Reuters/Henry Romero
The moon begins to eclipse the sun on April 8, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
A partial solar eclipse is seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, April 8, 2024.
Reuters/Christian Monterrosa
Watch live eclipse coverage from New York
Parts of New York state are in the eclipse’s path of totality. New York City will see a partial eclipse, with the moon covering about 90% of the sun’s light, peaking at about 3:25 p.m. ET.
Watch live coverage from CBS New York in the video player below.
The White House posted a short video of President Biden donning his eclipse glasses and encouraging Americans to enjoy the view. “But don’t be silly, folks – play it safe and wear protective eyewear,” the message said.
Though Mr. Biden didn’t mention it, his video prompted comparisons to a famous photo of then-President Trump standing on the same White House balcony during the 2017 eclipse and briefly looking up without protective glasses.
Check your eclipse glasses: Illinois Health Department warning of recall
The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning people to check their eclipse glasses after a recall.
The recalled glasses were sold through Amazon as “Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs).”
The recalled glasses are labeled as “EN ISO 12312-1:2022.” Proper eclipse safety glasses should carry the ISO designation of 12312-2.
Watch live coverage from Texas as the solar eclipse arrives
Texas is the first state in the U.S. where the eclipse is making its appearance. The partial eclipse has begun, and totality is expected to arrive over Eagle Pass, along the U.S.-Mexico border, at 1:27 p.m. CDT (2:27 p.m. EDT).
Watch live coverage from CBS Texas in the video player below.
Millions of people across the U.S. are excited to see the eclipse, but it’s important to do so safely. Looking at the sun — even when it’s partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.
There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, says Dr. Yehia Hashad, an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.
Special glasses are needed for protection during eclipse viewing; regular sunglasses aren’t enough, even if you stack more than one pair. A pinhole viewer is another safe viewing option.
Eye problems caused by looking at the eclipse without special glasses may not be apparent immediately, sometimes appearing one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes. And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent.
Peak viewing time will depend on your location. The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean on Monday morning before reaching North America at about 10:57 a.m. PT, beginning in parts of Mexico.
The path of totality — where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety, of course) — then crosses over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, arriving at Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT.
It completes its journey across the U.S. at about 4:40 p.m. ET, passing over Caribou, Maine, and into Canada.
Here is a look at the expected times in 13 cities along the path of totality:
While the April 8 eclipse will be a total solar eclipse, there are actually several types of solar eclipses. They occur when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth, either partially or totally blocking the sun’s light along its path..
During the April 8 total solar eclipse, the moon will completely block the light of the sun across parts of the U.S., allowing people in the “path of totality” — the center of the moon’s shadow — to experience a total eclipse.
NASA illustration shows how a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that blocks the sun’s light over a certain area.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
The sun will have a crescent shape as the moon begins to cover it, then the sky will get dimmer as the moon covers more and more of the sun, until it eventually covers the full sun during several minutes of totality. During totality, viewers may see a corona, the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere.
The sun’s corona is visible as the moon passes in front of the sun during a total solar eclipse at Big Summit Prairie ranch in Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest near the city of Mitchell on Aug. 21, 2017.
ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth when it is either at or near its farthest point from Earth, according to NASA. With the moon so far away, it won’t completely cover the sun. During this type of eclipse, the moon will appear as a dark disk on top of the sun, with a bright ring around it.
A partial solar eclipse happens when the sun, moon and Earth are not perfectly aligned as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, NASA explains. Only part of the sun is covered by the moon during this type of eclipse, giving it a crescent shape.
How many people live in the path of the eclipse?
An estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality for the April 8 eclipse. An additional 150 million people are within 200 miles of the path of totality, according to NASA, and millions more will be able to see a partial eclipse.
Will the weather be clear for eclipse viewing today?
Cloud cover and storms may interfere with eclipse viewing in Texas, where volatile weather is expected. For Dallas and Austin, “it’s a tough go,” says CBS New York weathercaster Lonnie Quinn, while San Antonio will have “some of the worst weather of all.”
But farther north and east, better conditions are expected, giving many in the Midwest and Northeast a good chance to see the eclipse. Some clouds may move in and out over Missouri, Indiana and into western New York, says The Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore.
Quinn has more details on the forecast in the video below.
The only glasses that should be used to look at a partially eclipsed sun are eclipse glasses that meet an international standard, ISO 12312-2, according to the American Optometric Association.
Don’t use sunglasses, smoked glass, an unfiltered telescope and magnifiers or polarized filters as a way to view the eclipse. Looking at an eclipse without proper protection can cause eye damage.
Real eclipse glasses will have a notation about the international standard somewhere on their body, to verify that they reduce visible sunlight to a safe level, and block ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Look for the ISO label make sure your eclipse glasses meet the international standard “ISO 12312-2,” to protect your eyes from potential damage.
Ray Petelin
Before buying, make sure the glasses are advertised as meeting this standard. And beware, there are many fakes on the market.
How to make solar eclipse glasses, cereal box viewers and pinhole projectors to watch the eclipse safely
While solar eclipse glasses are available for sale, there are several safe alternatives you can make or find at home to help you enjoy the eclipse, experts say.
If you have access, you can use No. 14 welder’s glasses or aluminized mylar plastic sheets. You can also make a homemade pinhole projector using a piece of paper or create an eclipse viewer from a cereal box. Here are instructions.
Weather, work, crazy prices – all causing folks to watch the eclipse online or not at all – here are 8 strains to gently lift your mood into a cosmic state.
The frenzy around a total eclipse has been building. From Krispy Kreme donuts, to special glasses, to the endless playing of Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart, people have dived in. Conspiracy theories are skyrocketing and hotels in the path are charging exorbitant prices. But for most, it is something to hear the buzz and see it later online. Work, weather, and other things will get in the way. An estimated 5 million people will travel to see it – but the weather in Texas doesn’t seem to care. To help you, here are the 8 best strains to manage missing the eclipse.
Strain Cap Junkie emerges as an ideal companion to ponder the infinite universe. Its lineage, a fusion of Alien Cookies and Kush Mints #11, promises an otherworldly experience. With buds dense and resinous, Cap Junkie exudes potency aligning with the transformative energy of an eclipse.
Haha Gummies Actin’ up Acia and Wild Watermelon
People are excited for the eclipse. Actin’ up Acia and Wild Watermelon by HAHA embody the free-spirited essence of this space moment. Return to the the playfulness of youth with this when science was enticing and sweets were truly a treat. These can help you grab a moment and squeeze every bit of joy.
Photo by Gianni Zanato via Unsplash
Medizin Face On Fire #9: Ignite Your Senses
As the moon and sun do their celestial dance, ignite your senses with Face On Fire #9. Feel the uplifting euphoria wash over you, heightening your perception of the cosmic spectacle. This highly sought-after strain gradually guides you into a state of deep relaxation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonder of the eclipse.
Experience a profound sense of tranquility as you deepen your connection to the celestial dance above. With each inhalation, OG Kush enhances your awareness, enabling you to appreciate the cosmic as you stare at the night sky.
Dreamland Cereal Milk Bar with Fruit-Flavored Bits: Morning Delight
Savor the days around the eclipse day by melting down Dreamland’s Cereal Milk Bar with Fruit-Flavored Bits into your morning coffee. Feel the sweet and fruity flavors infuse your brew, creating a delightful treat to savor as you reflect on the mean of life and the connection of the earth, moon and you.
Dreamland Peanut Butter Cubes: Quick and Indulgent Snack
The convenience of Dreamland’s Peanut Butter Cubes as a quick snack while you muse over the mean of light and darkness. Each creamy, peanut butter-filled cube provides a satisfying burst of flavor and energy, perfect for keeping you fueled and focused.
Galaxy Grape HaHa Soda: Beam me up scotty! This HaHa soda is ready to uplift and blast off with classic grape soda flavor infused with 10mg of THC.
Missing the eclipse? Here are two videos to show the wonder of the moon- including the restored Moonwalk.
Only part of the country will see a full eclipse, but it doesn’t mean people haven’t immersed themselves in the rare happening. Roughly 32 million people in the US live in the totality path, with officials predicting another 5 million people will travel to catch the moments. Krispy Kreme has even come out with an eclipse donut! But for most people, it is either a non event or it will spoiled by work, weather or something else. For the moon uber-fan – there is almost something better. And for a true, once in mankind moment, the restored first human steps on the moon.
After thousands of years of people seeing the moon and making wild guesses about it, science won and man touched the moon. In 1969 the American spaceflight Apollo 11 landed the first humans on the lunar crust. Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Eagle on July 20at 20:17 UTC with Armstrong becoming the first person to step onto the Moon’s surface six hours and 39 minutes later. The filming of this has been restored and released.
The next video is NASA showing how incredible the moon looks on 4K resolution. The footage was captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a spacecraft tasked with recording the different sides of the moon and capturing the satellite in all its glory.
This footage was recorded in 2011, when the spacecraft was launched on a mission called the Tour of the Moon, where the camera visits a lot of interesting sites in order to show the different features of lunar terrain. The footage was recently released with a voice over and 4K resolution, so people would make popcorn, watch this with their friends and scream every five seconds about how trippy and weird space is.
The tour shows the viewer the different sides of the moon, including the parts that are facing the Earth, which can be seen through a telescope, and the areas that can only be seen from space. It also includes digital elevation models, which show how the terrain is made up.
The guy who narrates the video explains the different parts of the moon and informs you on interesting things, such as a part of the moon that features some of the coldest weather ever reported.
Millions of Americans will be able to see the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, and chances are many will want to grab their phone and take pictures to document the rare event.
Experts warn that it’s essential not only to protect your eyes from the sun, but also to be cautious when using your phone to view or take photos of the solar eclipse.
A partial solar eclipse, when the moon blocks some of the sun, will occur from coast to coast, while a total solar eclipse —when the moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light — will be visible in the “path of totality,” stretching across more than a dozen states, from Texas to Maine.
“There is no safe time to look at the sun without protection, period,” Dr. Christopher Starr, director of the fellowship program in cornea, cataract and laser vision correction surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, said in an interview with Health Matters, NewYork-Presbyterian’s online journal. “Not a split second, not a half a second, not a quarter of a second. At no time should a kid, or an adult, be looking at the sun even as the sun is partially eclipsed. It’s still unsafe.”
The safest way to look at a partially eclipsed sun is with eclipse glasses that meet an international standard, ISO 12312-2, according to the American Optometric Association.
Can I take pictures of the solar eclipse with my cellphone?
Cellphone cameras should not be pointed directly at the sun, as it may damage the phone’s sensor, experts say.
Smartphones were never designed for taking photos of the sun or the moon, according to NASA. Because standard lenses are very small, they aren’t equipped with the resolution needed for the largest objects in the sky like the sun and moon.
A person records a video of the sun as it rises over New York City on June 10, 2021.
NOAM GALAI / Getty Images
“Cellphone cameras do not have the kind of protective filters needed for safe or successful solar photography,” Dr. Geoff Bradford, professor of ophthalmology at West Virginia University, told CBS News.
Photographing the partial eclipse with a smartphone will likely not only damage the camera sensor but also result in an overexposed photo, Bradford said.
Douglas Goodwin, professor of media studies at Scripps College and an expert in computational photography, agreed.
“Smartphone cameras in 2024 have small sensors and lenses, making it challenging to capture detailed images of the eclipse itself,” Goodwin said in an interview. “Taking photos of an eclipse is even harder than taking photos of the moon — it’s small and dazzling!”
Can I look at the sun on my cellphone screen?
Pointing your cellphone at the sun is bad for the phone, but it also could be dangerous for your eyes if you look at the sun on your cellphone screen, experts say.
Except for the few moments of total eclipse, when the sun is completely obstructed, “viewing the sun with your unprotected eyes or through a cellphone screen is extremely dangerous,” Bradford said, advising that all visual contact with the sun take place only through special solar eclipse glasses that meet international standards.
What’s the safest way of taking pictures of the eclipse?
The solar eclipse has various stages and effects, and some are safer to photograph than others.
“Smartphones will be great for capturing the experience of the eclipse,” Goodwin said. This includes the effects of the altered lighting around us.
“Keep your head down and look under leafy trees for crescent-shaped projections of the eclipsed sun on the ground,” Goodwin said. “Plus, you will observe how the strange light affects people and animals.”
Spectators use viewing glasses to look at the eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Chris Christo/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images
Goodwin also recommended that people in the eclipse’s path look for shadow bands, which are mysterious gray ripples that snake over the ground just before and after the total eclipse.
If you really want to photograph the sun as it becomes partially covered, take an extra pair of solar eclipse glasses, cut them and tape one of the filters over your phone’s camera lens, Bradford said. If your smartphone has several lenses, make sure all are covered.
If you’re using an iPhone, you should turn off the camera’s macro mode when putting a filter in front of the camera.
“Do not look at the sun, even briefly, while pointing your camera skyward,” Bradford said. “To enlarge the eclipse further than your camera zoom will allow, you can purchase a clip-on zoom lens for your smartphone for more dramatic photos.”
Can I take photos of the sun when it’s fully obstructed?
If you’re in the path of totality, during the few minutes of total eclipse, you can look up without eye protection and take unfiltered photographs with a smartphone, Bradford said.
But it’s important to be mindful that the total eclipse is a fleeting occurrence. As soon as the moon begins to move away from the sun and sunlight reappears, make sure your eclipse glasses and camera filter are back on, Bradford advised.
Some experts warn against looking up at the sun even when it’s fully obstructed because of how suddenly sunlight can reappear.
“Totality of the eclipse lasts only about 1 to 3 minutes based on geographic location, and bright sunlight suddenly can appear as the moon continues to move,” an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA noted, adding that “even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse” can temporarily or permanently damage your vision.
Looking at a partial eclipse without the protection of filters can cause permanent and irreversible eye damage, including blind spots, distorted vision and decreased color vision, Bradford said.
During the darkened few moments of the total eclipse, Goodwin recommends using your smartphone’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Night modes to enhance photographs. HDR mixes exposures to capture a range of brightness levels, while Night mode uses image stacking to create well-lit photos in low-light conditions, Goodwin said.
You can use the iPhone’s Wide and Ultra Wide cameras during near-total darkness.
Californians may fret that they don’t have a great view of the Great North American Eclipse on Monday, but seeing only part of the action will still be totally worth it.
A solar eclipse takes place when the the sun, moon and Earth align in the sky, casting a narrow shadow that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light. The eclipse is expected to pass through 13 U.S. states on Monday; although California won’t be in the path of totality, partial solar eclipses can still offer a unique viewing experience.
There are usually two solar eclipses per year, but that number can increase to five in rare circumstances, according to astronomy.com. However, waiting for an eclipse to occur in a specific area can take years. The next time a solar eclipse is expected to pass through California is Aug. 12, 2045, according to KQED.
Anyone in the Bay Area hoping to see a total solar eclipse will have to travel out of state — and maybe the country — to do it; the next time a total solar eclipse will be visible from San Francisco will be Dec. 31, 2252.
Although partial eclipses lack the once-in-a-lifetime feel of a total solar blackout, they give a wider portion of the world a chance to see a spectacular celestial event.
National Weather Service meteorologist Crystal Oudit said Sunday that the weather should be right for viewing in most Bay Area cities.
“We should not be seeing too many clouds,” she said. “If anything, they will be very high clouds. Some low clouds will be there early, but they should clear by the late morning, and it should be sunny skies.”
In San Francisco and Oakland, about 34% of the sun’s surface will be covered. San Jose will see the moon cover about 36% of the sun’s surface. In Sacramento, 35% of the sun’s face will be covered by the moon.
In Southern California cities like San Diego, Los Angeles and Fresno, the moon will obscure a larger portion of the sun’s surface.
Animals might react differently during the eclipse
The Associated Press reported that researchers will be watching how animals react during the eclipse. During past eclipses, animals tend to act as if it’s early dusk and may take shelter. Because of the darkened sky and temperature drop during the partial solar eclipse, birds’ chirping might quiet and give way to crickets. Researchers also noted that pets may mimic their owners’ reactions to the reduced sunlight.
San Francisco State University will also have solar viewing equipment set up to let people view the eclipse for free. They will be set up on the plaza at the main entrance to Thornton Hall and one in the quad near Cesar Chavez Student Center. Volunteers with the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society will also be bringing telescopes and eclipse glasses at Danville Library between 10:10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Foothill College also has two eclipse viewing events on campus. The Science Learning Institute will be teaching visitors how to make their own DIY eclipse viewers between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the PSEC Quad. Two Foothill Operators with the Peninsula Astronomical Society will also open the Foothill Observatory between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. as long as there are good weather conditions.
NASA will also be livestreaming during the eclipse on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Twitch. The organization will also include live coverage with experts describing what’s happening on the agency’s website, starting at 10 a.m. A telescope-only feed of the eclipse will also stream on the NASA TV media channel and YouTube.
Some stores may still be selling solar eclipse glasses
Of course, you should be able to see the partial eclipse from wherever you are — but you need to take steps to protect your vision. Experts recommend using solar eclipse safety glasses. Don’t try viewing the eclipse with alternatives, like sunglasses, binoculars or telescopes without special filters, as inadequate protection can damage your retinas and potentially cause blindness.
You can still enjoy the eclipse without glasses (but seriously, don’t look directly at the sun)
Crescent shadows are only viewable during partial solar eclipses. You can see them if you look at the ground beneath a leafy tree. As the sunlight shines through the leaves, it casts crescent-shaped shadows on the ground.
Another way to mimic this effect is by using a kitchen colander. With your back to the sun, hold the colander over your shoulder, and the sun’s crescent shape will be projected through the holes.
The Associated Press and Bay Area News Group staff writer Paul Rogers contributed to this report.
Editor’s Note: 04/08/2024, 5:57 a.m.: This article has been updated with new information on road closures in downtown Dallas from the Dallas Police Department. As we inch ever closer to April 8, when Dallas may or may not get an awesome view of the total solar eclipse, it’s a safe bet that plenty of people will be out and about, hoping for the best, regardless of what Pete Delkus tweets out…
Excited for Monday’s eclipse, but didn’t plan ahead? Here’s how to find a last-minute method to safely witness the historic event.
If you didn’t get ahold of special glasses for viewing Monday’s total solar eclipse yet, you’re not alone. Here are some tips on how to find a last-minute method to safely witness the historic event.
If you don’t have special glasses to view the eclipse, you run the risk of causing serious damage your eyes. The American Astronomical Society put out a guide on which glasses are safe and how they can help shield your eyes from the sun’s glare.
If you didn’t plan ahead, here are some suggestions to make sure you can view the eclipse safely.
Without a pair of those special glasses, experts advise that you really shouldn’t look directly at the eclipse.
Make your own cereal box eclipse viewer
As an alternative, indirect way of witnessing the eclipse, NASA has a special pattern for a cereal box eclipse viewer to help you get a glimpse of history.
NASA have the pattern on its website that requires a cereal box, a piece of heavy-duty foil, a piece of white cardboard, paper, markers, scissors and tape or glue.
With a handcrafted viewer, you can look through the opening inside the box to see the sun’s shadow go from a circle to an eclipse.
Construct a pinhole projector with index cards, pushpins
If you have some index cards and pushpins laying around, you can create a pinhole projector for eclipse day. The Planetary Society has special instructions online on how to use the push pin to make a small hole.
The society also has tips on where to stand to stay safe and get the best results from your makeshift projector.
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It’s shadow time, baby! Soon, people living in North America will get to experience their first solar eclipse in almost a decade.
Even though the last solar eclipse in North America happened in 2017, the next one isn’t expected until August 2044, so seizing this moment is critical. More than just a peculiar shadow, the solar eclipse is a perfect opportunity to hang out with loved ones outside and meditate on humanity’s smallness compared to the vast universe.
And even if you don’t live in the path of totality or you aren’t one of the millions of people traveling to see the major event, there are multiple ways for you to join in and watch the total solar eclipse online.
What Is a Total Solar Eclipse?
“It’s an alignment of the sun, the moon, and the earth in such a way that the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s rays from reaching the Earth’s surface,” says Noah Petro, an Artemis III project scientist at NASA. If you’re in the path of totality, then you will see the moon completely cover the sun. Outside of the main path? You may still see a partial eclipse, where the moon covers a slice of the sun.
Despite the involvement of the moon, a solar eclipse is not to be confused with a lunar eclipse. During those, the moon passes into the shadow of Earth and turns a dark red color. Lunar eclipses are visible for most of the entire hemisphere that’s facing the moon at the time.
When Is the Solar Eclipse?
Passing through portions of North America, the total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8. Depending on where you are in the path of totality, the solar eclipse will happen in the afternoon and potentially last around four minutes. For more specifics, refer to NASA’s map detailing the exact time different US cities will experience the total eclipse.
What about a partial eclipse? For example, even though I’m based in San Francisco, far outside the path of totality, I should still see a small portion of the sun covered between 10 am and noon. Check out this handy link to see when it occurs wherever you’re located.
Where Will It Be Visible?
While the total solar eclipse is primarily happening in Mexico and the United States, a small section of eastern Canada is also along the path of totality. To see what it might look like in different locations, check out this fantastic website created by a retired mathematician that simulates the solar eclipse.
Three major Mexican cities where you can see the total solar eclipse are Mazatlán, Durango, and Torreón.
There are numerous locations across the US where you can potentially experience totality. A few of the locations include Dallas, Texas; Russellville, Arkansas; Carbondale, Illinois; Greenwood, Indiana; and Buffalo, New York.
