LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — On Monday, a celestial shadow will be cast on North America as the moon passes directly in front of the sun. Although eclipses happen on Earth about every 1.5 to 2 years, the next time totality will happen in the United States will be 2045.
Las Vegas is not in the path of "totality" for the solar eclipse, but we'll still experience a partial eclipse locally.
At around 11:20 a.m., Las Vegas will see 51% of the sun "disappear" and locals will potentially feel some of the effects, such as elongated shadows and a slight shift in temperature.
According to NV Energy, the eclipse will have a minor impact on solar production during the late morning hours on April 8th. However, agency officials said they do "not have concerns and is fully prepared for the upcoming eclipse."
If you want to take your solar eclipse experience to the next level, the Las Vegas Astronomical Society is hosting a free viewing event.
From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., outside the entrance of the Planetarium at the College of Southern Nevada, the group is inviting space enthusiasts of all ages to safely view the partial eclipse. There will be eclipse viewing goggles and several telescopes available to witness the rare phenomenon. The group will also host photography and activities for kids.
You will need special glasses to view the eclipse — sunglasses won't cut it, Francisco Silva, vice president of education and outreach with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, told Channel 13.
"Solar eclipses are really rare. As far as we know, we are the only planet that have it. Our moon position with the sun position and orbit of the moon makes this amazing thing happen," Silva said.
Eclipse observers are also welcome to watch the eclipse from The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower's Observation Deck between 10:43 a.m. to 11:57 a.m. on Monday, April 8.
The first 200 people who arrive at the Tower will receive a pair of solar eclipse viewing sunglasses with the purchase of a Tower admission ticket, which is $20. You can buy them in-person or online here.
