KEENE, NH – Parts of New Hampshire and Vermont will witness a solar eclipse in a couple of weeks.

On April 8th the eclipse will begin around 2 pm and take about an hour, and for about three minutes skies will darken and temperatures will drop as the moon passes over the sun and completely blocks it. Northern Vermont and most of Coos County in New Hampshire will be in the path of totality, while central and southwestern New Hampshire will see a partial solar eclipse.

Dartmouth Health is reminding patients that in general it’s never safe to stare directly at the sun, but there are ways you can view the eclipse safely.

“It is very important to protect your eyes,” said Dartmouth Health Ophthalmologist Michael Zegans, MD. “We cannot stress that enough. But if you take the correct precautions you, too, can enjoy this once-in-a-generation event.”

The American Astronomical Society has information on eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that are necessary for safe viewing of the eclipse. They can be purchases at nationaleclipse.com.

Zegans’ recommends following guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which include carefully looking at your solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them, and if you see any scratches or damage, don’t use them. It also recommends reading and following all directions that come with them and help children use them correctly, and before looking up at the sun stand still and cover your eves with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer. Glance up at the sun, turn away, and remove your glasses/viewer. Do not remove them while looking at the sun.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is also advising drivers heading up to Coos County to stick to main highways for your journey, as secondary roads won’t be able to handle the extra traffic and be aware for distracted pedestrians. Drivers should also be prepared for slow moving traffic as you head back south.