LIST: From food to marriage...How Americans are celebrating solar eclipse
WASHINGTON (TND) — Millions of Americans are sure to see a historic site on Monday, April 8 as they witness the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Even months before the big day, people nationwide have been getting into the spirit. From specialty food and drink items to a rocking eclipse playlist, there is no shortage of headlines for the big event.
LEARN MORE:How long will the solar eclipse last April 8 and where is totality across the US?
So, we've gathered those stories and provided you with an "all things eclipse" central, so you can tide yourself over until totality.
Food & Drink
From Krispy Kreme to SunChips, more and more companies roll out solar eclipse promotions
Krispy Kreme is teaming up with Oreo to sell a limited doughnut cookie creation. Frito-Lay's SunChips has unveiled a new flavor that will only be available during the celestial event's nearly 4 and a half minutes of totality.
Burger King and others offer stellar deals to celebrate the coming solar eclipse
Burger King is joining other restaurant chains to honor the total solar eclipse. The fast-food chain announced it will give out free "Whoppers" to celebrate the rare celestial event.Pizza Hut is offering any large pizza for $12 on the day of the eclipse.
Sonic Drive-In launches limited-time Blackout Slush Float to celebrate solar eclipse
The out-of-this-world drink features a black-colored slush that blends sweet cotton candy and exotic dragon fruit flavors.
New York breweries team up to create speciality beers to celebrate solar eclipse
Rohrbach Brewing Company, Three Heads Brewing and Strangebird are teaming up to fasten a trio of specialty beers to celebrate the celestial event. Each beer will represent the three phases of the eclipse: the lighter side, the darker side and the totality.
Central Texas vineyard to release limited-edition wine for 2024 solar eclipse
Farmhouse Vineyards is releasing a limited-edition wine called "The Observer." The wine is a red blend made with grapes harvested during the last total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017.
Science & Education
Busting popular myths about solar eclipses: No, they won't make you or your dog go blind
The eclipse won't make you go blind. If won't make your dog go blind either.
Former NASA astronaut says seeing a solar eclipse gives 'cosmic perspective' on life
Not many people can say they have seen a solar eclipse from space, but Former NASA Astronaut and United States Air Force Pilot Terry Virts can. He was on the space station in 2015, and he did not expect to see it.
Physics professor explains 'shadow snakes' of solar eclipse and observation techniques
Only during a solar eclipse, you can see strange things, such as "shadow snakes!” You may be looking up at the sky, but as University of New England physics professor Jamie Vesenka describes, don't forget to look down, and see the weird lights on the ground!
How pets, wild animals may react to the solar eclipse
Veterinarian Adam Parson with Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital says pets don't purposely look at the sun. However, he recommends that, if you see your pet getting anxious, to reassure them that they are safe.
Rare 'devil comet' to appear in Earth's skies through April solar eclipse
The devil's comet was spotted several times last year, starting in the fall, according to Space.com, and may even be visible during the April 8 solar eclipse.
Entertainment
Solar eclipse playlist: 20 songs to rock out to on your cosmic adventure
While you prepare to hit the road toward the path of total darkness or anticipate hours of traffic coming out of your watch party, you'll need something to listen to. And we've got your back.
AirBnB supply wanes amid total solar eclipse tourism throughout Texas
The communications manager for AirBnB said "one in four" AirBnB’s that night across the U.S. are in the path of totality. They report a 1,000% increase in searches for stays.
Delta offers 'Path-of-Totality' flight ahead of total solar eclipse
The flight will be specifically operated on an A220-300, an aircraft with extra-large windows to maximize passenger experience during the eclipse. Flight 1218 will be timed for the best chance of viewing the solar eclipse at its peak, with safety in mind.
State by State
Nearly 300 couples to marry in mass wedding during total eclipse in Arkansas
A unique, mass wedding ceremony will happen in Arkansas on April 8 just minutes before the total eclipse. Nearly 300 couples from 22 states will get hitched, making their mark on history.
The eclipse that put Maine on the map
Historian Herb Adams says the first eclipse that put Maine on the map happened all the way back in 1780 with the path of that solar eclipse taking it right over the island of Islesboro in Penobscot Bay.
Solar eclipse stirs spirituality, tarot reader offers insight amid interest
Eclipses hold a special place in astrology, as they are believed to push us to move toward new paths and break out of our comfort zones. Eclipses are also known to bring breakthroughs.
Safety and Preparations
Are your solar eclipse glasses safe? How to make sure they aren't counterfeit
One of the most important things to remember if you plan on "looking up" is safety. Protection is needed as looking at the sun directly, especially for a long period, can cause serious damage to your eyes. This is why the American Astronomical Society is warning people about the risks of counterfeit and knock-off solar glasses.
Cellular companies preparing networks for April 8 total solar eclipse
Bryan Rogers, an AT&T store manager in New York, said they aren't expecting any service slowdowns. Rogers also said the company offers a network called FirstNet exclusively to first responders.
Wegmans stores in New York to close briefly for total solar eclipse viewing on April 8
In total, 48 Wegmans stores throughout upstate New York will close for 30 minutes. During that time, all services, including pharmacy and grocery and Meals2Go pickup and delivery will be unavailable.