On Monday April 8th, people from Texas to Maine as the crow flies will be in a great position to view the total solar eclipse. In New Hampshire, it will best be viewed between 3:25 and 3:35 PM. While you can view it at sea level, situating yourself on a summit, especially one above tree-line, will ensure that your view is unobstructed by buildings, trees, and the like.
The summit you choose should have a clear view to the south. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west and due to the tilt of the earth, in the northern hemisphere, the sun is found in its arc when we face south. The more north in the state you go, though, the more complete the eclipse will look. Those north of Berlin, NH will see the eclipse in full if viewed in the optimal time window.
Read more: A Summit for the Solar EclipsePicking a mountain you’ve done before will help you in your planning to summit at the right time. If you can pick a summit that is tree-free or is lacking trees on its southern facing side that is optimal. If you’d like to view it from a new mountain, be sure to check out my previous article on how to time your hikes. Being that the eclipse will occur on a Monday, the parking situation shouldn’t be too bad but it’s impossible to know how many other hikers will take the afternoon off as well to view the event from the mountains. Always have a backup plan!
Lastly, the most important piece of gear you’ll take with you on the mountain April 8th will be your solar eclipse glasses. Even though the world will look like someone dimmed the lights, staring directly at the sun’s corona around the moon can damage your eyes. Given the hype around this year’s eclipse, there have been many scams regarding solar glasses. Luckily, the American Astronomical Society published a list of vetted sources for glasses. Don’t forget to pack them!
New Hampshire’s official tourism board has also curated helpful information regarding the eclipse and planning your day for the best viewing opportunity.
Happy Hiking and Have a Great April 8th!
(cover photo credit goes to Unsplash, Matthew Schwartz)
The Wild East 