If you are playing pickleball outside in Madison, WI, on April 8, 2024, between the hours of 12:50 pm and 3:19 pm, you might notice that it will start to seemingly get kind of dark, almost like twilight, far too early. You may look at your watch and wonder if you need a new battery. Worry not, because I am about to explain to you what is going on – a solar eclipse!
That’s right! On April 8, 2024, the earth, moon and sun will be in just the right alignment such that the moon will be passing between the sun and the earth, casting a shadow on earth that will partially block the sun’s light in Madison. The eclipse will start at 12:50 pm, and the moon will reach maximum coverage of the sun at 2:05 pm. At that time, from our vantage point in Madison, approximately 86.9% of the sun will seem to be covered up. Very little light will shine around the moon. The eclipse will come to an end at 3:19 pm.
Some of you might be thinking: “Only 86.9% of the sun will be covered? Why bother going to look at something like that! I will just wait until Madison is in the path of complete totality of a solar eclipse so that 100% of the sun is covered up. Now THAT would be something worth seeing!” However, I would caution against waiting until the next total solar eclipse comes to town to go out and see it, because that won’t happen in Madison until September 14, 2099!
If you want to see the eclipse by staring directly at the sun, you will need to do so safely with some eclipse glasses. You can get a free pair at any of the Madison Public Library locations starting Tuesday, April 2, while supplies last.
If you would like more information about the upcoming eclipse, there will be a free talk at the Stoughton Public Library on April 2, at 6 pm. Registration is welcome but not required.
And, if you would like to attend a local viewing party (other than at the pickleball courts!) to see the eclipse with other revelers on April 8, here are some places where you can do so for free.
Happy pickling!
