This evening the moon will move in front of the sun again: the solar eclipse will begin at around 7 p.m. and will reach its peak between 8:19 p.m. and 8:24 p.m. our time.
For a few minutes – a maximum of 4.5 minutes – it will suddenly become dark on Earth, even though night has not yet fallen. The birds stop chirping – it’s unusually quiet during a total solar eclipse (SoFi). However, you experience all of this not in Germany, if you look at the sun outdoors and protected with special glasses.
Because the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 cannot be seen naturally in Germany. Unlike, for example, in the USA, where people can actually just walk on the street and look up at the sun. But don’t worry: you can also experience the celestial spectacle live in Germany.
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How to watch the total solar eclipse without a stream
Without a live stream, people from Canada to Mexico will see the total solar eclipse. From the western edge of Europe (for example in parts of Portugal or Ireland), observers will only see a partial solar eclipse. It is imperative that all of these observers wear solar eclipse glasses to avoid serious eye damage when looking at the sun.
Live stream for SoFi fans from Germany
Everyone else who is interested can follow the solar eclipse in the live stream. Completely safe and without the need to wear glasses. NASA offers the following live streams in different languages:
Another provider of a live stream for SoFi from April 8, 2024:
By the way: The last solar eclipse that you could experience live and in all its glory in Germany with glasses took place on August 11, 1999. Maybe you remember how thousands of drivers suddenly pulled over to the right, put on their glasses and looked at the sky. And how suddenly it was so quiet because the birds were silent.
Alternative to the live stream: visit to a planetarium
Various planetariums are hosting events for today’s solar eclipse. For example, here in Berlin and here in Hamburg. Simply inquire at a planetarium near you.
