On April 8, 2024, northern Vermont will see a total solar eclipse, when the moon passes in front of the sun and throws the world into a few minutes of midday total darkness. Eclipses are rare – this is the first time since 1932 and the last until 2106 that northern Vermont will be in the “path of totality.” The state will be busy with extra visitors for the celestial event, and officials are expecting at least 200,000 visitors to descend on Vermont seeking a good view of the phenomenon. So what do you need to know?
- Wait, what’s a total solar eclipse again?
- Where in Vermont can I see the eclipse?
- What time should I be watching?
- What’s the weather like in Vermont?
- What’s a good place to view it?
- What should I bring with me?
- Can I go hiking to see the eclipse?
- What is mud season, and what does it have to do with the eclipse?
- How bad will traffic be?
- How else will the state be impacted?
- What happens if it’s cloudy?
- I live out of state. Should I visit for the eclipse?
- What’s so special about a total solar eclipse, anyway?
Wait, what’s a total solar eclipse again?
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According to NASA, “A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun.” As the moon crosses in front of the sun, the sky will get dark, and you will see the “ring of fire” around the dark shadow of the moon. Your geographical position on earth dictates whether you will see the total eclipse, or a partial eclipse. Total eclipses happen about twice a year somewhere in the world, but on average any given location on earth will only see one every 355 years, according to the Vermont Astronomical Society. Vermont last saw a total solar eclipse in 1935, and the next one will be in 2106.
Where in Vermont can I see the eclipse?
The Path of Totality sweeps across northern Vermont at a slight angle, so towns like Middlebury, Barre, and St. Johnsbury are at the southern limit of the path of totality. The rest of Vermont will see a partial eclipse, which is much less fascinating. Anywhere in the path of totality with a broad view of the sky will see the eclipse (weather permitting), though the length of totality ranges to under a minute to a maximum of about 3 and a half minutes, in Burlington, St. Albans, Montgomery.
What time should I be watching?
The entire eclipse lasts about two and a half hours; totality lasts just a few minutes. Around 2:15 p.m., we’ll start to see the shadow of the moon begin to cross the sun, appearing as a crescent shape. Around 3:35 p.m., totality begins. That’s the main event, and you want to be sure you’re watching for those few minutes. Then the partial eclipse continues until about 4:37 p.m. when the event concludes. You’ll want to be in place to view the eclipse well before 2 p.m., but you likely won’t have your eye trained on the sky for that entire time.
Another important distinction: you must be wearing certified eclipse viewing glasses the entire 2 hour duration, except during the three-ish minutes of totality. It is safe to remove your glasses for those few minutes, and put them right back on for the second half of the partial eclipse.
View an exact timetable by city/town.
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What’s the weather like in Vermont?
In a word, unpredictable! Early April could still be snowy, icy, and cold, or we could be in the thick of Spring mud season. It’s important to dress in appropriate layers and be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially since you’re likely to arrive to your eclipse viewing location and stay outside for many hours. It also gets noticeably colder during the period of totality, as the moon is blocking the sun’s light and warmth!
What’s a good place to view it?
Anywhere you can see the sky, you can see the eclipse. The sun will be in the southwest of the sky. Flat, wide open expanses like lakefronts, beaches, farm fields, and parking lots are the best. You can see the sun’s entire path through the sky and keep an eye out for the shadow of the moon across the earth’s surface, moving at hundreds of miles per hour just after totality concludes.
More info: Where to Watch
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What should I bring with me?
The most important thing for safe eclipse viewing is a pair of certified solar viewing glasses that meet the international safety standard of ISO 12312-2. Be aware that counterfeit glasses do exist. Many Vermont businesses and town libraries and offices have glasses for free or cheap, so try to get a pair ahead of time. You cannot look directly at the sun without a pair of these glasses. You can also bring a homemade pinhole projector or a metal colander to view projections of the eclipse in a safe and interesting way.
In addition to your glasses, you will want to bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers for a long day. Most organized events will have portable toilets and food and drink available for sale, but crowds may make it difficult to access what you need. You may want a lawn or camp chair, or picnic blanket to sit on while you view. And there will be a noticeable temperature drop as we get closer to the moment of totality, since the sun’s warmth is being blocked, so pack some extra warm layers.
Be sure to check any rules or guidelines on what you can bring to specific events.
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Can I go hiking to see the eclipse?
We really don’t recommend backcountry or high elevation hiking, out of caution for your safety. Vermont’s mountains and trails are rugged, and there may be snow and ice at higher elevations. Experience and winter-specific equipment is required. Emergency response resources may be limited on eclipse day and cell service is not always available in the backcountry. As of 3/20/2024, the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation has begun issuing annual mud season closures for trails including those on Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, and Jay Peak. Please check trail status on TrailFinder before you go, obey all closures, and use sound judgement when considering hiking
Check local networks and town forests for frontcountry trails experiences and openings.
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What is mud season, and what does it have to do with the eclipse?
A special Vermont bonus season, roughly the period from snowmelt (late March or early April) to mid or late May, marked by ground thawing, moisture from snowmelt and rain, and messy, muddy trails and roads. Hiking on muddy surfaces causes damage and erosion, many trails are closed, and hiking (especially at high elevations) is strongly discouraged. Mud Season impacts driving and roads, too. More here.
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How bad will the traffic be?
We don’t know, but probably not great! It’s estimated that anywhere from 50,000 to 200,000 people will come to northern Vermont to see the eclipse. That’s in addition to the 400,000 Vermonters who live in the path of totality. Vermont’s minimal interstate highways and high percentage of narrow dirt roads may result in traffic snafus before and after the eclipse. Plan ahead and get to where you are going early in the day. Please respect all posted road closures and parking guidelines. You may want to consider sticking close to home, or waiting until crowds have dispersed to leave your viewing area. You should have a full tank of gas in your car, plus supplies like water, snacks, and layers in case you are stuck in traffic.
Many towns may choose to close or restrict some roads, especially to limit access to closed trailheads. Notably, please be aware that the town of Underhill will close Stevensville Road and Mountain Road; Duxbury will close Camel’s Hump Road; and Richmond and Huntington are considering additional road closures
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How else will the state be impacted?
Hospitality related businesses like restaurants, shops, hotels, RV parks, museums, and cafes may see a big increase in typical mud season visitation. Hotels in the path of totality are booked to about 80-90% of capacity, about comparable to what we would see on a busy fall foliage weekend. There will be lots of fun and community to be had at festivals and events all weekend long.
Infrastructure, including roads, cell phone service, and emergency response resources, may be interrupted, compromised, or limited. Please plan accordingly.
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What happens if it’s cloudy?
It’ll certainly put a damper on eclipse viewing. If the sun is obscured by clouds, we will still see the sky darken in the middle of the afternoon, but you won’t see the dramatic shadow of the moon crossing over the face of the sun or the ring of fire visible during totality.
Historically, Vermont has pretty cloudy skies in early April, but anything could happen. Once the short-term forecast is available a few days ahead of time, many eclipse chasers and visitors will finalize plans, seeking out locations predicting clear skies.
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I live out of state. Should I visit for the eclipse?
Vermont is a beautiful place to visit with lots of options for events and places to stay during the eclipse, and we’re looking forward to showing off our beautiful little state! That said, it is mud season, and many of the state’s iconic activities, like hiking, are not possible this time of year. Visit Vermont Vacation for more information on getting here, lodging, and what to do.
Then, come back during hiking season so we can show you the Long Trail!
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What’s so special about a total solar eclipse, anyway?
Well, it’s hard to explain. The GMC team hasn’t even seen a total eclipse ourselves. But amongst eclipse chasers and enthusiasts, the message is clear: This is a big deal and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Pictures and descriptions can’t do it justice, though this video and this article attempt to. The difference between seeing a partial eclipse and a total eclipse is night and day. If you live just outside the path of totality, it’s worth getting yourself a little closer to the center line. The phenomenon of watching the moon completely obscure the sun, which plunges the world around you into dimness, brings up feelings of awe, insignificance, beauty, inspiration. We’ll know more on April 8!
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