Montana: Don’t Make this Expensive Mistake on Eclipse Day

Watching the 2024 Eclipse in Montana from 11:40 AM to 2 PM.

During the 2017 solar eclipse, Montana was much closer to the path of totality. This time around, we are nowhere near the epicenter of the action. We'll still witness a 40% eclipse in southeastern Montana on Monday, April 8, 2024, when it peaks around 12:30 PM. Weather permitting, it should be quite noticeable.  Unfortunately, the forecast doesn't look great, as of 4/5.

Far less eclipse mayhem in the Rocky Mountain West this go around.

Seven years ago, the eclipse passed directly over Wyoming, drawing thousands of spectators to the Cowboy State for prime viewing as the eclipse crossed the US from Oregon to South Carolina. The view in Billings was dramatic too. The midday sun darkened noticeably, the birds stopped chirping because they thought it was time to go to bed, and everything was super-quiet. Almost everyone in Billings stopped what they were doing to watch, with our flimsy eclipse glasses slapped on our faces.

Eclipse conversation at work this week:

"Let's be honest, you've never taken a quick peek at the sun? Just a real quick glimpse?" All of us have admitted to doing it. Disclaimer: No one should look at the sun.

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Don't ruin your eyes OR your $1,200 phone.

When it's blazing brilliantly at its apex, taking direct pictures of the sun can damage camera photo sensors. In 2017, camera rental shops around the country reported lots of damaged returns from photographers (likely amateurs) who failed to use the appropriate lens filters during the last eclipse. Camera phones are no different.

Slashgear.com analyzed Google search trends, where interest in "Can I take eclipse pictures with my phone" is up a whopping 700%.  The short answer is no, you probably shouldn't. The longer answer is yes, with a proper phone eclipse filter. The American Astronomical Society provides an updated list of approved filters and glasses HERE.