Rotarian Erik Moeser has traveled to Hawaii, Chili, Aruba, Zambia, Libya, Australia, and Tennessee to experience the totality of a solar eclipse. He shared his knowledge and passion for the heavens with the club at the Friday Sunrise Meeting. It all started in the late 50’s when his dad woke him up at 4am and went to the flood control dam to witness the passing of the Soviet Union Satellite… Sputnik.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse can be viewed across the northern hemisphere from Mazatlán, Mexico to Burlington, Vermont. Along this path, eclipse seekers will be able to enjoy a 4minute and 27 second show of solar eclipse totality. Up to the point of totality, the viewer must wear approved eye protection, and during the brief blackout, the protection should be removed to observe the umbra where the moon has completely blocked out the sun.
Erik described the planning process and the need for a Plan B in the event of a cloudy event day. His Plan B is to schedule the trip to a location that if the sun isn’t visible, the location and experience will provide a great vacation.
The planning process considers the location’s weather conditions, cloud cover statistics, travel distance, cost, plus geopolitical and health risks.
If you are interested in observing a 90% eclipse in the City of Brookfield on April 8th, the partial will start at 12:52pm and end at 3:23pm. The midpoint will be at 2:08pm where 90% of the sun will be covered by the moon. To experience this eclipse, make sure to where solar glasses approved for eclipse viewing throughout the event.
Rumor has it that “For every minute of totality observed, you get an extra year of life… hmmm, fact, fiction or a nice thought?
Erik, thank you for your 44 years of Rotarian service, sharing your knowledge, and experiences. We hope you will have a successful viewing on April 8th and look forward to hearing about your adventure upon your return.
