Facts and falsehoods about the April 8th solar eclipse

Solar eclipse viewing glasses

A major solar eclipse is expected to cover many parts of the USA. CBS reported the following:

April 7, 2024

A total solar eclipse crosses North America on April 8, 2024, with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy fans can see the big event.

The total eclipse will first appear along Mexico’s Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then travel across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality, the area where the moon will fully block out the sun, according to NASA. The path will range between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

The total solar eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse will exit continental North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality includes the following states:

Texas

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Missouri

Illinois

Kentucky

Indiana

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Vermont

New Hampshire

Maine

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/solar-eclipse-path-map-2024/

Much of the rest of the USA and parts of Canada will reportedly be able to witness a partial eclipse, though any viewing could be affected by cloud cover.

Related to viewing it safely, CBS also posted:

April 6, 2024

The 2024 total solar eclipse is almost here — and if you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the phenomenon, it’s best to make sure that you have real, working eclipse glasses that can protect your eyes.

Here’s what to know about eclipse glasses and how to check that they are safe to use.

Are solar eclipse glasses safe to view the total solar eclipse with?

Solar eclipse glasses can be used to safely view a total solar eclipse, but it’s important to make sure they’re of the right quality. Don’t use sunglasses, smoked glass, an unfiltered telescope and magnifiers or polarized filters as a way to view the eclipse.

The only glasses that should be used to look at a partially eclipsed sun is with eclipse glasses that meet an international standard, ISO 12312-2, according to the American Optometric Association.

That international safety standard, which is set by the International Organization for Standardization, means the glasses reduce visible sunlight to a safe level, and block ultraviolet and infrared radiation, according to the American Astronomical Society website. A

So, those who plan to try to view the solar eclipse need to exercise caution so that they do not injure their eyes. Those who view the eclipse without proper protection are are real risk of permanently damaging their vision. Some could even lose their eyesight.

That is a fact.

That said, there have been many predictions and fallacious statements about this particular eclipse.

Here is one falsehood that Snopes (which is not always reliable) correctly calls out:

April 6, 2024

Claim:

The United States has seven towns named Nineveh and all of them will fall in the path of totality during the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse. …

Eclipses do not discriminate, so anyone in the path of totality will be able to see the sun fully obstructed by the moon. However, some people have claimed online that there’s one interesting coincidence about the eclipse’s path of totality: It will pass through every city in the United States named Nineveh. That name is shared by an ancient city in modern-day Iraq that was described in the bible as “evil.”

Snopes received an email from a reader who requested that we check the claim about cities named Nineveh in the eclipse path. In our research, we discovered that many of the people making the claim were Christians who were interpreting the eclipse as a bad omen.

Contrary to the claims, Snopes discovered that the path of totality in the eclipse does not pass through seven cities in the United States named Nineveh — it passes through just two. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/2024-solar-eclipse-cities-nineveh/

So, not all cities/towns called Ninevah are going to be in an area of the eclipse darkness.

World Net Daily, again, put out something related to Mark Biltz:

April 6, 2024

WND has reported Pastor Mark Biltz of El Shaddai Ministries, an expert on those historical perceptions, noted in the Bible, solar events are recorded as having a remarkable and sometimes supernatural significance.

He explained control over the sun was demonstrated by God in the three-day Plague of Darkness, and is prophesied to be an essential part of the End Times. The Prophet Joel (2:31) predicted, “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” The Prophet Amos makes a similar prediction: “And in that day – declares my God – I will make the sun set at noon, I will darken the earth on a sunny day.” https://www.wnd.com/2024/04/solar-eclipse-cast-shadow-across-america/

The timing of Joel 2:31 is AT LEAST 2 1/2 YEARS AFTER THE START OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION. Mark Biltz has a history of false prophetic interpretations and I have denounced him for his views on this April 8th eclipse and several of his previous errors related to blood moons (see Biltz: Judgment of USA begins with solar eclipse April 8, 2024; Billinglesy: Jesus will be on earth in 2029; COGwriter: Accept God’s criteria for a prophet).

And then there is Michael Snyder. He is not prone to make the same type of false statements and predictions that Mark Biltz has done. But while he often has good points, Michael Snyder has a tendency to misunderstand many aspects of Bible prophecy as well as to point to matters that are not significant, suggesting that they are. Related to this solar eclipse, he posted the following:

Have You Heard About The 2 Gigantic Crosses That Stand At The Intersections Of The Eclipses?

April

Something truly extraordinary is going to happen as the Great American Eclipse of 2024 passes over the United States, and hardly anyone is talking about it. …

A 111 foot tall cross stands where the path of the Great American Eclipse of 2024 will intersect with the path of the Great American Eclipse of 2017 on April 8th.

And a cross that is 77 feet and 7 inches tall stands where the path of the Great American Eclipse of 2024 will intersect with the path of the “ring of fire” solar eclipse of 2023 on April 8th.

Is it just a coincidence that 2 giant crosses stand at the intersections of these eclipses?

I don’t think so.

I believe that only God could have orchestrated this. …

Ultimately, I am entirely convinced that the Great American Eclipse of 2024 is meant to point us to Jesus and the cross, but the vast majority of the population seems to be completely missing that point. https://endoftheamericandream.com/have-you-heard-about-the-2-gigantic-crosses-that-stand-at-the-intersections-of-the-eclipses/

First of all, no I do not believe that God orchestrated this eclipse so it would intersect with those crosses nor “that the Great American Eclipse of 2024 is meant to point us to Jesus and the cross.”

Among other reasons, the cross is not a true Christian symbol–it was not used by early Christians–but something adopted from paganism that became popular during and after the reign of the sun-worshiping Emperor Constantine in the 4th century (see also What is the Origin of the Cross as a Claimed ‘Christian’ Symbol?).

Secondly, let me add that I denounced Mark Biltz’s views about the 2017 eclipse back in 2017 (see Mark Biltz on the approaching Asteroid Apophis and the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse).

Thirdly, let’s look at the BIBLICAL prophecies related to the sun being darkened in the end times:

²⁹“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ³⁰Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ³¹And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31)

¹²I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.(Revelation 6:12)

Notice that both accounts are of something that takes place AFTER the Great Tribulation (which is the fifth seal in Revelation).

That said, events occur around the world every day and there could be a major one tomorrow. But it is not as Mark Biltz or Michael Snyder seem to think.

The solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 is simply a natural phenomenon. But can be dangerous. Be cautious and do not look directly at parts of it.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Some claimed that they signaled the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. I denounced that view in advance. Some claimed an eclipse in 2017 signaled the end, a “super blue blood moon” in 2018 was a divine warning, as was a ‘super wolf blood moon in 2019: Is that true? Two related videos are available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015. and Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse.
What is the Origin of the Cross as a Claimed ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Three related YouTube videos would be Beware of the ‘Ecumenical Cross’, The Chrislam Cross and the Interfaith Movement, and Origin of the Cross. 2017 Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse A massive solar eclipse is to occur on August 21, 2017. Some claim that it is apocalyptic and they will be raptured then. Mark Biltz, of ‘blood moon’ fame, citing Genesis 1:14, says this is a sign of God for national repentance. Is it? Could Jeremiah 10:2 apply here? Mark Biltz and others tie this August 2017 solar eclipse in with Revelation 12–is that possible? Is there any solar eclipse associated with the Apocalypse? If so, when is the soonest that prophecy can be fulfilled? Going through biblical passages, including the words of Jesus, Dr. Thiel provides answer to those questions.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?
Wormwood and Planet Nibiru Will the Earth be devastated by Planet X or Comet Encke? What about Planet Nine? Here is a link to a related YouTube video Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?
Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017? Some say NASA has identified Plant X, also called Planet Nine or Nibiru or even Planet 7X. One prophecy watcher has stated that this planet will destroy Planet Earth by January 1, 2017. Is this possible? While the Bible tells of a destructive power called ‘Wormwood’ will come from outer space to destroy much of the Earth in Revelation 8, can Wormwood hit by 2017? Dr. Thiel explains from the Bible why Wormwood could be a comet and why the Bible and not those who misinterpret it should be trusted. This is a video.
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Some claimed that they signaled the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. I denounced that view in advance. Now some point to a solar eclipse in 2017–is that a ‘sign from God’? A YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping taught that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world would end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous?
Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy Is it safe to be ‘independent’ or in a non-Philadelphin Church of God? What did God inspire Zephaniah to write?
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.