watch it here
A GUIDE TO VIEWING THE 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE IN ST. ALBANS, VERMONT
Prepare to witness an extraordinary celestial event right here in St. Albans, Vermont!
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, as we invite you to observe the beginning of a partial solar eclipse at precisely 2:14 p.m. This rare spectacle will escalate into a breathtaking total solar eclipse at 3:26 p.m., enveloping our daytime skies in darkness for approximately 3 minutes. This unique occurrence takes place when the moon positions itself directly between the sun and Earth, casting its shadow over us. The eclipse will gradually transition back to a partial phase, concluding at 4:37 p.m.
Observing a total solar eclipse is an unparalleled experience, offering a glimpse of one of nature's most awe-inspiring displays. This event occurs exclusively in certain regions around the world.
The alignment during a total solar eclipse is a perfect celestial ballet, with the moon completely covering the sun and revealing the magnificent sight of the solar corona — the sun's outer atmosphere. This 2024 eclipse promises a remarkable view, especially for those within the path of totality, where the full sequence of the eclipse can be enjoyed. The contrast between a total and partial eclipse is staggering. With even a sliver of the sun visible, its brightness overpowers the sublime view of totality by a factor of 10,000.
After the 2024 event, the next opportunity to see a Total Solar Eclipse in the contiguous United States won't come around until 2044, making this an event you won't want to miss.
VIEWING LOCATIONS
Hard’Ack Recreation Area
Congress Street & Route 104
2 - 5pm: “Watch Party” with fire pit on the patio; Family activities [weather dependent]; Concessions open with possible Sugar on Snow available [providing we have snow!]; Hard’ack Pool open to the public
Fees: $8/St. Albans Residents, $16/All others
Music and cash bar also available.
Commemorative safety glasses - while they last.
Restrooms available indoors and outside
Parking available, depending on weather
No designated Media Location available.
Contact: Kelly Viens, Recreation Director: 802-524-1971
4066 Maquam Shore Rd. St. Albans Town
2 – 5pm registered viewing location. Restrooms available.
Safety glasses available while supplies last.
To register for a parking spot at this location contact Megan Sherlund at 802-524-7589 ext. 103
bay park, town of st. albans
Cohen park, town of st. albans
taylor park - st. albans city
Main Street, downtown St. Albans
2 - 5pm: Totality in Taylor Park
Live music from Ryan Sweezy Band, plus other activities.
Parking available in the Hampton Lane Parking Garage, the Walgreens/Post Office lot on Main Street and on side streets. Please park in compliance with City signs and ordinances as the City will be towing.
Restrooms are available in the park and at City Hall
Commemorative safety glasses - while they last.
Contact: Arleigh Young, Planning & Development Coordinator: 802-524-1500 ext 263
Additional information: HERE
Event Facebook Page: Here
St. Albans Downtown Info: Here
Branon Family maples
Afternoon of Delight at Champlain Country Club!
581 St. Albans Rd., Swanton, VT 05488
Indulge in an exquisite experience at the Champlain Country Club
Irons & Ale: Join us as we unveil our latest dining destination, offering an enticing selection of beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, and soft drinks, accompanied by a delectable buffet of gourmet delights.
Parking: $10 per car
Buffet: $25 per person
Date: April 8, 2024
Location: Champlain Country Club
Experience a day filled with scrumptious food, refreshing drinks, and endless fun amidst the lush greenery of our club. We can't wait to welcome you!
Branon Family Maple Orchards will be open Friday 4/5 -4/9 to give tours at their sugarhouse. Normal hours for Retail store is Mon-Friday 9-5. Saturday & Sunday self serve. Call to make an appointment if you would like a tour. They will be boiling(if Mother Nature cooperates).
Branon Family Maple Orchards
547 Branon Road
Fairfield VT 05455
802-827-3914
additional parking
The St. Albans Town Industrial Park Expansion will be open for Eclipse viewers to park and watch the Eclipse. The cost per car is $20. The gate will open at 9:00 AM and close at 6:30 PM. The parking proceeds will go to the BFA Sophomore Class and their Junior Prom initiative.
Port-o-lets will be on site and we ask that all attendees carry in and carry out.
596 Lake Road, St. Albans Town
2 - 5pm Food trucks, live music, and other activities.
Parking is available but limited. $10 parking. Car Pooling is recommended. Restrooms are available.
Safety glasses available while supplies last
Contact: John Montagne: 802-527-0739 ext. 1
Emergency services: Public Safety Administrator - Bob Cross: 802-527-7646
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SAFETY
PROTECT YOUR EYES
View the Sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon completely obscures the Sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN
Even during a partial or annular eclipse, or during the partial phases of a total eclipse, the Sun will still be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
Find more information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
BE PREPARED FOR APRIL IN VERMONT
April in Vermont is Mother Nature's favorite game.
There could be 12 inches of mush on the ground. Temperatures could be either very low or very high for this time of year. Or we could be in full-on Mud Season.
It's best to plan for the unknown.
Recommendations:
Waterproof footwear
Hat & gloves
Warm layers, including socks
Warm coat/outer layer
Even if the lake or a pond looks frozen, it may not be safe to be on. Please stay off the ice.
Keep in mind that when the sun is hidden, the temperature could drop as much as 10 degrees. If you plan to be outdoors for any length of time and the temperature is cold, you will need to dress in layers.
A NOTE ON PARKING
Please do not stop or pull over on interstate I-89, or State Route #104.
State and local law enforcement will be enforcing this.
Your vehicle will be towed if parked in a non-parking zone.
Your vehicle will be towed if parked on private property.
