What Arizona will experience during the April 8 solar eclipse
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Phoenix is a thousand miles from the exciting "path of totality" that will see near-total darkness during Monday's solar eclipse, but we'll still get a glimpse of the celestial anomaly.
Why it matters: Total solar eclipses that span the contiguous U.S. are exceedingly rare — we won't see another one until 2045, Arizona Science Center engagement specialist Celeste Kenworthy tells us.
The big picture: Around 64% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon for the eyes of Phoenix residents — with the eclipse starting at 10:08am and peaking at 11:20am. The forecast calls for periods of sunshine and clouds throughout the day.
- At the peak, the eclipse will resemble an upside-down Cheshire Cat smile and the sky will darken to a dusk-like glow, Kenworthy says.
Between the lines: You will need special glasses to view the eclipse, and a solar filter for your camera or phone if you want to photograph the event.
- Check to make sure your glasses meet the international standard ISO 12312-2 before looking at the Sun.
Zoom in: The Phoenix Public Library is providing free glasses while supplies last, and many branches are hosting viewing parties on Monday.
- The Arizona Science Center is also hosting a free party and giving out glasses.
Zoom out: The southeastern corner of Arizona will see the biggest chunk of the eclipse, with Douglas experiencing about 75% coverage.
- Tucson will see about 70%.
Businesses are cashing in on the hype with specialty items and deals.
- Krispy Kreme's special Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut, which features a whole Oreo cookie in the center, will be available Friday through Monday.
- Sonic Drive-In has a new cotton candy and dragon fruit-flavored black slush, which the chain says represents the eclipse's "temporary darkness."
- Pizza Hut is offering large pizzas for $12 Monday in a deal dubbed "Total Eclipse of the Hut."
- Burger King has a buy-one-get-one free Whopper deal Monday, Today.com reported.