A total solar eclipse is coming to North America on April 8. The so-called “path of totality,” along which the moon will completely blot out light from the sun, will stretch from central Texas to Maine. Some people think the event will give us signs that the end of the world is near, though that’s far from certain. (In 1831, the enslaved Virginian Nat Turner did take a total solar eclipse as a sign that he should “commence the great work” of violently overthrowing the institution of slavery.) Scientists think it’s far more likely that distracted drivers will get into car crashes. If you’re planning on watching the eclipse in-person instead of through a livestream, do not look directly into the sun with your naked eyes. Instead, use some eclipse glasses (that are designed to filter light much, much more strongly than regular sunglasses) to protect your eyes. Here are a few pairs we found online.
