Dane Schaffer

A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon where the sun, Earth, and moon align so the moon passes into Earth’s shadow.

A partial lunar eclipse will be visible in North Dakota on Monday, April 8.

“The 2024 eclipse is one of many events being held across the country on April 8,” said Dane Schaffer, associate professor of science at Minot State University.

The partial eclipse will start, weather cooperating, at 12:48 p.m., maximum at 1:55 p.m., and end at 3:02 p.m.

The Science Department at MSU will be supplying the campus with special eyewear to view the eclipse.

“When viewing any solar phenomena, a person must wear protective eyewear or use other models to view the eclipse indirectly, “ Schaffer said.

For the same reasons humans can’t look directly at the sun without harming their eyes, they can’t look at an eclipse unless it is a total eclipse, and even then it is not the safest.

According to the MindBody Journal, eclipses often make a person feel stressed, lethargic and sick. Psychology Today states an increase in suicide rates during the time leading up to and following an eclipse.

Those planning to view the partial lunar eclipse should visit Minot State University campus to get protective eyewear to view the eclipse without harming their eyes.