Your Guide to the 2024 Solar Eclipse in St. Louis
St. Louis is gearing up for a celestial spectacle on April 8, 2024, as a rare total solar eclipse sweeps across North America. While our city won’t experience totality, residents will witness a breathtaking 99% partial eclipse, offering a unique opportunity to observe this astronomical event safely and enjoyably.
The Great American Eclipse Returns
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will traverse Mexico, the United States, and Canada. For those within the narrow path of totality, the moon will completely obscure the sun, revealing its outer atmosphere, the corona. This event is a rare phenomenon, with the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. not occurring until 2044.
St. Louis: A Near-Total Experience
While St. Louis is tantalizingly close to the path of totality, our city will experience a profound partial solar eclipse. Roughly 99% of the sun will be covered by the moon, making it a spectacular sight, though not quite the full darkness and coronal display of a total eclipse. This means that, unlike observers in the path of totality who can briefly remove their glasses during the full eclipse, St. Louis viewers must keep their certified eclipse glasses on for the entire duration of the event.
Key Timings for St. Louis
- Start of Partial Eclipse: Approximately 12:42 p.m. CDT
- Maximum Partial Eclipse (99%): Approximately 1:56 p.m. CDT
- End of Partial Eclipse: Approximately 3:17 p.m. CDT
The sky will darken noticeably around the time of maximum coverage, similar to twilight, and temperatures may drop slightly. Pay attention to the subtle changes in light and shadow around you.
Seek Totality: Short Drives from St. Louis
For those determined to witness the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse, a short drive south will place you directly within the path of totality. Popular destinations include southern Illinois and southeast Missouri, where communities like Cape Girardeau, Farmington, and Carbondale, Illinois, will experience complete darkness.
Planning is crucial for these areas. Expect significant traffic, limited lodging, and potentially crowded viewing spots. It’s advisable to depart early, arrive at your chosen destination well in advance, and bring all necessary supplies, including water, snacks, and a full tank of gas.
Prioritize Eye Safety Above All
Observing any solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause severe and permanent eye damage. For the 99% partial eclipse in St. Louis, certified solar eclipse glasses or viewers are absolutely mandatory for the entire duration that any part of the sun is visible. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient and will not protect your eyes.
Ensure your eclipse glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Do not use damaged or scratched glasses. If you plan to use binoculars or telescopes, they must be fitted with appropriate solar filters specifically designed for safe solar viewing.
What to Expect: Partial vs. Total Eclipse
| Feature | St. Louis (Partial – ~99%) | Path of Totality (Total) |
|---|---|---|
| Sun’s Coverage | Almost entirely covered, a crescent sun visible. | 100% covered for a few minutes. |
| Sky Darkness | Noticeably dimmer, like deep twilight. | Full darkness, like nighttime during the day. |
| Coronal View | Not visible; sun’s direct light is too bright. | Beautiful solar corona visible. |
| Eye Protection | MANDATORY for entire event. | MANDATORY except during totality. |
| Atmosphere | Dramatic dimming, shadows sharpen. | Eerie silence, animal behavior changes, 360-degree sunset. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need special glasses to view the eclipse in St. Louis?
Yes, absolutely. Even with 99% coverage, the remaining sliver of the sun is intensely bright and can cause permanent eye damage. You must wear certified ISO 12312-2 compliant eclipse glasses throughout the entire event. - Will it get dark in St. Louis?
It will get noticeably darker, resembling a deep twilight or an overcast day, but not complete darkness. Animals might react, and streetlights may come on automatically. - Where can I purchase certified eclipse glasses locally?
Check with local science museums, libraries, and reputable retailers for ISO-certified eclipse glasses. Always verify the source to ensure authenticity and safety. Demand will be high, so plan ahead. - When is the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S.?
The next opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States will be on August 23, 2044, followed by another in 2045.
Whether you choose to experience the profound partial eclipse in St. Louis or venture into the path of totality, plan ahead, prioritize eye safety, and prepare to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
St Louis awaits near total solar eclipse
