Updated Thursday, April 4 at 5:25 p.m.
Alexandria will look unusually dark just after 3 p.m. this Monday, April 8.
Alexandria is not in the "path of totality," where the moon will block the sun entirely, but the moon will block out about 89% of the sun between about 3:10 and 3:30 p.m. local time.
According to NASA, "a solar eclipse happens when the moon's orbit aligns with Earth, and it passes between the sun and Earth. That casts a moving shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun's light in some areas."
Safety Concerns
Local officials are reminding residents to avoid looking directly at the sun, even when it is covered. Looking at the sun can cause eye damage very quickly — and that damage may not be apparent until hours or days later.
Instead, residents are encouraged to procure a pair of special, light-filtering glasses that are rated to comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard for filters for direct viewing of the sun.
You can pick up a free pair of these glasses at some Smoothie King and Warby Parker locations in Alexandria. Made in ALX in Old Town North is also offering a free pair of glasses with any purchase while supplies last.
Alexandria City Public Schools are making some moves to protect students' eyes on Monday, as well. ACPS will be handing out solar eclipse safety glasses to students on Monday as they leave their school building. They are also encouraging parents to arrange chaperones for students who are walking home Monday. After-school sports may be delayed until after the solar event.
Viewing Events
Alexandria Public Library will be providing free glasses and solar education at Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (In case of inclement weather, event will occur inside the Beatley Library with NASA’s live feed of the eclipse.) Learn more here.
Another viewing event is scheduled at Historic Huntley Meadow with Fairfax County officials. Learn more and register for that event here.
The "path of totality" in the United States will range from Texas to upstate New York. The closest place within the path of totality to Alexandria is Olean, New York, about 320 miles North-Northwest of Alexandria.
Monday's Weather in Alexandria
The weather Monday afternoon is expected to be in the low 60s under sunny skies — except for when the moon gets in the way. In fact, students and solar eclipse viewers may want to pack a jacket, as temperatures can drop by more than 10 degrees during the solar event.
