The total solar eclipse is coming in April—here’s some fun events in NH 

Come April, New Hampshire will be one of 13 states with a good view of the Great North American Eclipse of 2024. That may seem far off, but the state is already gearing up for the predicted influx of visitors coming here to get one of the most dramatic views of the celestial event.

On April 8, during the total solar eclipse, New Hampshire will be in the path of totality. While most of the country will witness a partial eclipse, we get to see the whole thing, when the sun completely vanishes behind the moon leaving only the blazing corona.

The event, according to the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism, will begin with a partial eclipse at 2:15 p.m., and the total eclipse will occur at 3:28 p.m. The best view will be in the Great North Woods, which will witness 100 % coverage. State travel experts predict thousands, will travel to the state in the hopes of getting this once-in-a-lifetime view of the sky. The last time New Hampshire was in the direct path of a solar eclipse was in 1959, and the next won’t be until 2079.

In the afternoon of April 8, “Granite State skies will darken, and the air will suddenly feel cooler,” according to NASA. It will take a total of three minutes and 15 seconds for the moon to fully block out the sun’s light.  

The state’s travel office has put the word out to New Hampshire restaurants, hotels, galleries, and shops to “maximize this celestial event” and show off our state to the expected thousands of visitors who will come here to see the eclipse.

Several events have already been planned.

“Total Eclipse of the ART” at The League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft, 279 DW Hwy, Meredith, will open on March 18 and run through April 12. In celebration of New Hampshire’s location on the path of totality, league-juried artists will create jewelry, wood pieces, and pottery, with a celestial theme.

On Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Prince Edward Island musicians Cynthia MacLeod and Gorden Belsher, will give a Special Eclipse Concert at Great North Woods Center for the Arts 1993 US RTE 3 Columbia. Tickets are $20.

The Snowvillage Inn, 136 Stewart Rd., Eaton in the White Mountains is having an Eclipse 2024 Viewing Party Package, which includes a two-night stay with breakfast each morning.

On April 7, at noon, Lancaster Motel, Lancaster Motel, 112 Main St Lancaster, astrophysicist  Brad Moser, the new director of Astronomy Programming at Plymouth State will give a lecture called, “Total Eclipse.” The motel has also put together a special total eclipse package which includes a three-day stay from April 6-8, with three catered meals a day eclipse-related events including live music, tastings, lectures, and celestial swag including special eclipse glasses.

The Eastern Slope Inn North Conway, 2760 White Mountain Highway, is offering a 2024 Solar Eclipse Lodging Package, with picturesque access to view the celestial happening, commemorative safety viewing glasses, half-moon cookies from a local bakery, and a bottle of Eastern Slope Inn Eclipse Wine, made at White Mountain Winery. The package is available for reservations on April 6-8. A minimum, two-night stay is required.

If you can’t make it outside to see the celestial event you can see a simulation at the non-profit Eclipse2024.org which also offers a listing of specific eclipse information by town. If you’re viewing from home, don’t forget to use specially-made eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. The Eclipse Store offers certified safe eclipse glasses and other types of viewers.

For detailed information check out the flip book “New Hampshire 2024 Solar Eclipse: Plan for this Once-in-a-Lifetime Event,” which the state travel department and Yankee Magazine put together and which can be accessed for free online.