On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible on a path that crosses North America, from the west coast of Mexico to the east coast of Canada. In this episode, Molly and co-host Aminah cover all your eclipse essentials: What causes an eclipse? What’s it like to experience one? How do you watch one safely? (Spoiler alert: Don’t stare at the sun without special eyewear. Really. Please. Don’t do it.) Plus, indigenous science educator Nancy Maryboy tells us about Navajo and Cherokee traditions during an eclipse and we’ll meet Dr. Ralph Chou, a scientist who has seen 29 total solar eclipses. And, of course, a stellar new mystery sound!

EDUCATORS

Want to teach your students about the eclipse? Check out our Brains On 2024 Eclipse Lesson Plan and Brains On 2024 Eclipse Activity Sheetfor fresh ideas about how to bring the science eclipses to life in class!

Prefer video to audio? Watch an animated version of this episode on YouTube:

Reminder: it is REALLY important to view the eclipse safely! As cool as a solar eclipse is, you cannot just go out and stare at the sky.. 

Our eyes are made to take in light, but not this much light. The sun is really, really, really bright. That means regular sunglasses won’t cut it if you’re staring right at it. To safely watch the solar eclipse, you’ll need special eclipse viewing glasses. You can order them online or see if your local public library will be giving them out. Starting April 1st, Warby Parker will also be giving away free pairs of eclipse glasses in all stores.

Don’t have special eclipse glasses? Don’t worry! You can make a pinhole projector out of cardboard or a piece of paper. You can find instructions and pinhole projector templates from NASA here.



Even if you don’t have eye protection that will allow you to look directly at the sun, you can just go outside and look at the world around you. There’s some cool stuff that will happen.


Observation checklist:

  • What’s happening with the weather? A breeze might pick up during totality because the air cools down significantly.

  • What’s happening with plants and animals? You might see flowers close up, or birds start to roost as if they’re getting ready to go to sleep.

  • What does the light feel like? The quality of shadows and light will change as the sun gets obscured.

Wondering how much of the eclipse you’ll be able to see? Check out NASA’s interactive 2024 Eclipse Explorer. Enter your zip code for the exact percent coverage and timing of the eclipse in your area.


The total solar eclipse will be visible along a narrow track stretching from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states.


We hope you get out there and observe what’s happening. We’d love to hear what you see! You can tell us on Facebook or Instagram – tag us @brains_on, or send us a picture, video, audio or note at brainson.org/contact.

And if you won’t be in the US for this solar eclipse, don’t worry! There are plenty more coming up. In 2026, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain will have one. In 2027, it’ll be Morocco, Spain, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Yemen, and Somalia’s turn. And in 2028, Australia and New Zealand will get the treat. 
Wherever you’ll be, we hope you enjoy learning about this astounding natural phenomenon!

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Today’s episode is sponsored by:
- Sitkaseafoodmarket.com - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order.
- Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit with code brainson

Educators - Lesson Plan for Brains On! - Everything you need to know before the 2024 solar eclipse (Right Click to Download)

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