Beneath the Links tab, an astronomical marvel is poised to grace the skies over a vast expanse of the United States, including Milwaukee. The city is abuzz with anticipation for the 2024 solar eclipse. For a brief moment, the moon will position itself between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that turns day into dusk. WeatherWatch 12’s meteorologist Gina Recchia offers insights on what to expect on this celestial occasion slated for April 8th.
On that day, Milwaukee will witness a near-total solar eclipse, a rare event where the moon aligns perfectly with the sun, cloaking nearly 90% of its light. The eclipse is set to commence at 12:52 p.m., reaching its peak coverage by 2:08 p.m., and will gradually wane, concluding at 3:21 p.m. This phenomenon not only connects us with the cosmos but also with people worldwide, reminding us of our shared fascination with the universe from the moment we first gazed upward.
The eclipse’s path of totality, where the sun will be completely obscured, will stretch across the United States, from southern Illinois through central Indiana to northern Ohio, with Milwaukee being in close proximity. Observers are reminded to don special solar eclipse glasses to safeguard their eyes while witnessing this awe-inspiring event.
Jean Creighton, the Planetarium Director at UW-Milwaukee, encourages everyone to embrace this experience with the wonder of a child, to reignite that sense of awe often dulled by the mundane. As April 8th draws near, we are all invited to look skyward and revel in the beauty of the cosmos, knowing that such an event will not grace southeast Wisconsin again until 2044, with the next total eclipse not until 2099.
This celestial spectacle serves as a poignant reminder of the wonders that lie beyond our everyday gaze, urging us to pause and appreciate the grandeur of the universe. So, as the day approaches, let’s unite in marveling at the sky’s offerings, embracing the profound connection it fosters among us all.