Monday’s solar eclipse in Beaufort: What will we get?

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Explore Beaufort
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2017 total solar eclipse in South Carolina. Photo by Lauren Petracca

Most of the whole country is talking about the total solar eclipse that is coming on Monday, April 8th. But, what will we see in Beaufort?

Well, here in South Carolina, the astronomical event will be far less dramatic compared to the total solar eclipse we experienced, in totality, in 2017. This year, the path of totality is Texas and points Northeast through parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

In the Upstate, folks will be a bit luckier then they will be here in Beaufort. The eclipse in the Upstate will block out 85% of the sun at its maximum at about 3:05pm on Monday.

In South Carolina, the moon will block anywhere from 74.6% of the sun to 85.3% at its peak, according to data from Eclipse2024.org.

The mountain areas of the Palmetto State will see the greatest eclipse while coastal areas, including Beaufort, will see the least in South Carolina.

Beaufort County will enjoy a fairly advanced partial eclipse, with about 75% of the sun being blocked by the moon at approximately 3:08pm on Monday.

The partial eclipse is expected to begin around 1:52 PM and conclude around 4:25 PM. This time frame coincides with school dismissal for students. Parents and guardians are urged to remind their children that looking directly at the sun is always hazardous and can cause permanent damage to their eyesight.

Viewing the eclipse without proper eye safety can cause loss of vision, especially in children whose still-developing eyes may be particularly at risk. Symptoms of eye damage can include blurry vision, distorted vision or ‘blind spots.’ The resulting damage could be temporary or permanent.
Experts warn to not make the mistake of thinking a partial eclipse is less dangerous – if anything, it’s more dangerous because the sun is never fully blocked. That goes for the solar eclipse in Beaufort. Take steps now to ensure you can have a fun but also safe viewing experience.

Here are a few tips to keep you and your children’s eyes protected while enjoying the eclipse:

• Use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, not regular sunglasses
• Indirect viewing methods

• Don’t recycle solar safety glasses

The U.S. won’t see another coast-to-coast solar eclipse until 2045 so, by all means, get out with your older children to enjoy this rare event, just prepare ahead of time to ensure everyone stays safe.
Enjoy the solar eclipse, Beaufort.

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