A uncommon atmospheric incidence will occur on Monday, April 8: a photo voltaic eclipse.
Hundreds of thousands of Individuals throughout the path of totality will be capable of clearly see the moon and the solar overlap.
Former NASA astronaut Terry Virts spoke with Fox Information Digital forward of this yr’s photo voltaic eclipse to element his expertise in house — and what it was wish to witness one whereas on an area flight.
Virts has traveled to house a number of occasions. He stated he’d at all times wished to be an astronaut and going to house was a dream come true.
SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024: WHERE AND HOW TO VIEW THE RARE ORBIT HITTING THE US
“All of my spaceflights have been wonderful. That was a dream that I had since I used to be a bit of child — I wished to be an astronaut,” he recalled.
Throughout his two spaceflights, Virts spent over 200 days in house piloting the House Shuttle Endeavor on STS-130 and commanding the Worldwide House Station throughout Expedition 42/43 from 2014 to 2015, in response to Virts’ web site.
![Solar eclipse](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/iStock-827537470.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The photo voltaic eclipse will happen when the moon covers the solar. (iStock)
Virts, nevertheless, was often called the image taker whereas in house. He joked that these onboard stated he may need taken probably the most footage of anybody ever in house.
8 THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING TO A SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING
“It’s wonderful attending to be in house, not solely our planet, but in addition searching to the galaxy and different planets — [that] was a very enjoyable a part of it,” he stated.
![Terry Virts](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/Terry-Virts-x-SONIC-credit-SONIC-Drive-In.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Fox Information Digital spoke with Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut, forward of the uncommon photo voltaic eclipse, which is able to happen on April 8, 2024. (SONIC Drive-In)
Virts witnessed a photo voltaic eclipse whereas in house in 2015 and stated it was one thing he by no means thought he would be capable of see.
“There was an eclipse over the North Atlantic, and you may look out and see this type of black round shadow shifting throughout Earth,” he recalled.
NASA RELEASES NEW IMAGE OF EARTH TAKEN FROM SPACE DURING ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE: SEE THE STUNNING SHOT
He added, “It’s a really totally different expertise seeing it from Earth, however from house was fairly cool, too.”
Virts, who’s partnering with SONIC forward of the April 8 photo voltaic eclipse, stated he recommends that anybody attempting to view the phenomenon come ready with the correct instruments.
![Solar eclipse viewing glasses](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/SONIC-Solar-Eclipse-Viewing-Glasses.png?ve=1&tl=1)
SONIC is giving out viewing glasses with the acquisition of the model’s limited-edition blackout slush float. (SONIC Drive-In)
“Get your self some good eclipse glasses which are secure,” he stated.
He continued, “You don’t need to stare on the solar together with your eyes. You don’t need to stare on the solar even with regular eclipse glasses — so earlier than the moon covers the solar, you’ll be able to’t stare at it.”
FOR SOLAR ECLIPSE ON APRIL 8, SOME US SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE DAY
Virts beneficial heading to one of many 400 SONIC places within the path of totality for a limited-edition blackout slush float and viewing glasses.
“It’s wonderful attending to be in house, not solely our planet, but in addition searching to the galaxy and different planets was a very enjoyable a part of it.”
He additionally stated to get as near the center of the totality path to be able to get the most effective viewing, as that may make an enormous distinction.
![Solar eclipse path](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/GettyImages-2097682843.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The 2024 photo voltaic eclipse can be viewable in full totality throughout this path on April 8. (Yasin Demirci/Anadolu/Getty Photographs)
“It’s wonderful to take a look at the solar whereas it’s blacked out by the moon, however take a number of seconds and look down on the horizon,” he famous.
RESEARCHERS TO OBSERVE ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AT TEXAS ZOO DURING UPCOMING SOLAR ECLIPSE
He added, “Discover what the wildlife is doing. The animals don’t know … in order that they’re type of freaked out.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
As for a way Virts is spending his potential 4 minutes of eclipse viewing this yr, he stated he’ll be within the Dallas-Fort Price space in Texas to get the most effective expertise.
![Terry Virts and a solar eclipse](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/virts-split.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A former NASA astronaut detailed what a photo voltaic eclipse seems to be like in house and methods to safely view the upcoming second. (SONIC Drive-In/iStock)
Visitors who buy a blackout slush float at SONIC will obtain a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses whereas provides final. The model says the limited-edition dragon fruit-flavored slush is full of “eclipse-like darkness” to have fun the event.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The subsequent photo voltaic eclipse viewing alternative within the U.S. can be on August 23, 2044, in response to NASA.
For extra Life-style articles, go to www.foxnews.com/life-style.