A solar eclipse, a rare atmospheric phenomenon, will occur on Monday, April 8th.
Millions of Americans on the path to totality will be able to clearly see the Moon and Sun in conjunction.
Former NASA astronaut Terry Bartz spoke to FOX News Digital ahead of this year’s solar eclipse, detailing his experience in space and what it’s like to witness a solar eclipse while in space. Told.
Wirtz has traveled to space many times. He has always wanted to be an astronaut and going to space was a dream come true, he said.
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“All my spaceflights were amazing. It was a dream I had since I was little. I wanted to be an astronaut,” he recalled.
During two spaceflights, Barts flew Space Shuttle Endeavor on STS-130 and commanded the International Space Station during Expedition 42/43 in 2014-2015, according to Barts’ website. and spent over 200 days in space.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon covers the sun. (St. Petersburg)
However, Wirtz was best known as a photographer during his time in space. He joked that those on board said he may have taken the most photos ever in space.
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“It’s amazing to be in space and see not only our planet, but also galaxies and other planets. [that] It was really fun,” he said.
Fox News Digital spoke with former NASA astronaut Terry Bartz ahead of the rare solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. (SONIC Drive-in)
Wirtz said he witnessed a solar eclipse while in space in 2015, something he never thought he would see.
“There was a solar eclipse over the North Atlantic, and I looked outside and saw this black circular shadow moving across the Earth,” he recalled.
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He added: “It’s a completely different experience to see it from Earth, but it was also pretty cool to see it from space.”
Bartz, who is partnering with SONIC ahead of the April 8 solar eclipse, said he advises anyone looking to view the phenomenon to have the proper tools.
SONIC is giving away a free viewing glass with the purchase of the brand’s limited edition Blackout Slush Float. (SONIC Drive-in)
“Get yourself some good, safe eclipse glasses,” he said.
He continued, “You don’t want to stare at the sun with your eyes. Even with regular eclipse glasses, you don’t want to stare at the sun. So you can’t stare at the sun before the moon covers the sun. ” ”
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Mr. Virts recommended that you visit one of the 400 SONIC stores along the total path to pick up a limited edition blackout slush float and telescope.
“It’s amazing to be able to go to space. It was so much fun to see not only Earth, but also the galaxy and other planets.”
He also said that to get the best observations, try to get as close as possible to the center of the total path, which can make a big difference.
The 2024 total solar eclipse will be fully visible along this path on April 8th. (Yasin Demirci/Anadolu/Getty Images)
“It’s great to see the sun behind the moon, but take a moment to look down at the horizon,” he said.
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He added: “Watch what the wild animals are doing. They don’t know… so they’re a bit freaked out.”
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As for how Bartz will spend his scheduled four-minute eclipse viewing this year, he said he’ll be in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas to get the best experience.
A former NASA astronaut breaks down what a solar eclipse looks like in space and how you can safely watch the upcoming moment. (SONIC Drive-in/iStock)
Guests who purchase a blackout slush float at SONIC will receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last. The brand says the limited edition dragon fruit-flavored slushies are filled with “eclipse-like darkness” to celebrate the occasion.
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According to NASA, the next solar eclipse to be visible in the United States will be August 23, 2044.
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