Solar eclipse 2024: In rare event, Palm Beach County witnesses partial blocking of the sun

Today, April 8, is when parts of the U.S. will see the rare total eclipse of the sun. In Palm Beach County, more than 1,000 miles from the eastern edge of the solar eclipse's path of totality, we'll see 50% of the sun covered by the moon. It'll begin at 1:48 p.m. and last through about 4 p.m. Maximum coverage of the sun by the moon will be at 3:03 p.m.

Remember, do not look directly at the sun during the eclipse. You'll need special eclipse glasses because normal sunglasses — even those with the darkest lenses — aren't enough to protect your eyes from damaging rays.

We'll provide coverage of the eclipse from Palm Beach County and the nation all day. Enjoy!

Will weather affect the eclipse in Palm Beach County?

The National Weather Service in Miami is calling for mostly sunny skies today for the partial solar eclipse but gusty onshore winds are already sending fluffy cumulus clouds over the east coast.

An hourly forecast for West Palm Beach has increased the amount of sky that will be covered by clouds to 47% at the peak of the eclipse near 3 p.m. Winds are forecast to be gusting to 22 mph with temperatures in the upper 70s.

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Watch the solar eclipse lives across the nation

Where to get free eclipse glasses in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County libraries and the Mandel Public Library in West Palm Beach were giving away free eclipse glasses but the Mandel said Monday they had run out.

But the city will give out glasses at a City Hall viewing event from 2-4 p.m. today.

The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority is hosting an eclipse viewing party in the courtyard at City Hall. Snacks, coffee and water will be available for purchase. Dr. Steven Schiff from the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches will be at the event with a telescope equipped with a solar filter, allowing a close-up view of the eclipse and provide pinhole paper for those who wish to experience the eclipse without glasses. City Hall is located at 401 Clematis St. in downtown West Palm Beach.

If you don't have eclipse glasses, you can look through a pinhole projector, or even hold a colander in the sun's glare so that an image of the moon moving across the sun will show in shadow on the ground.

Are there any viewing parties in Palm Beach County?

Yes, here a few viewing parties from Palm Beach County and South Florida.

PALM BEACH GARDENS: This free family event will include viewing glasses, craft projects, snacks, safety information and a presentation about solar eclipses. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair for viewing. All ages are welcome.

The viewing party is at Mirasol Park, located at 12385 Jog Road in Palm Beach Gardens, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

WEST PALM BEACH: The Cox Science Center will allow guests to view the partial solar eclipse inside the observatory, which holds South Florida's largest publicly available telescope. The 10-foot refracting telescope with solar filters will allow space enthusiasts to view the eclipse safely without the need of solar glasses. The viewing is included with regular general admission to the Science Center. General admission is $24 for adults; $20 for children 3-12; $22 for seniors (ages 60 and above). The viewing party is at Cox Science Museum, located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

WEST PALM BEACH: The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority is hosting an eclipse viewing party in the courtyard at City Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. Snacks, coffee and water will be available for purchase by Salento Coffee. DD will distribute free eclipse glasses during the watch party. Dr. Steven Schiff from the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches will be at the event with a telescope equipped with a solar filter, allowing a close-up view of the eclipse and provide pinhole paper for those who wish to experience the eclipse without glasses. City Hall is located at 401 Clematis St. in downtown West Palm Beach.

BOCA RATION: Florida Atlantic University’s observatory in Boca Raton will host a 'Sidewalk Astronomy Event' on the university's East Lawn next to the building from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. At the event, the school will distribute safe eclipse-viewing glasses and provide a demonstration on how to use them safely. They will also have models that discuss eclipses, as well as telescopes set up to safely observe the celestial passage.

FORT LAUDERDALE: The Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale (401 SW 2nd Street) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

MIAMI: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami (1101 Biscayne Boulevard): Noon to 4:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Eclipse 2024: South Florida's path, time, where to get free glasses