Maine Gov. Janet Mills held a press conference Monday to promote the state as a top destination for the April 8 total solar eclipse and urge tourists and residents alike to plan ahead so they are able to safely enjoy the big event.
She called Maine "the best place in New England and one of the best places in north America to witness this once-in-a-generation event."
One week from Monday, the moon will pass between the earth and the sun, completely blocking the face of the sun from the Earth. For nearly half of Maine, the total eclipse will be visible for up to 3-1/2 minutes, which is one of the longest totality observation times in North America.
Between 10,000 and 40,000 people are expected to travel to the state to watch the eclipse, Mills said.
"My administration has been peparing for this event since last year to make sure Maine makes the most of this monumental opportunity and the many economic benefits that come along with it," she said. "We expect tens of thousands of people to travel to Maine to enjoy this incredible event, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome them, but we want to make sure too that residents and visitors alike enjoy the eclipse safetly anywhere in the state of Maine."
Mills shared several common sense tips that residents and visitors can take to stay safe while taking in the eclipse.
"First, we recommend people arrive early and stay late and enjoy Maine -- parts of Maine you haven't seen before. If you're driving, please stick to paved and public roads -- don't go off on some logging road," she said. "Watch for any disoriented wildlife that might wander into the roadway. Make sure you have a full tank of gas, and paper maps in case you're out of range of GPS and the internet. And plenty of snacks and water in case of the almost inevitable delays."
Second, she said people should make sure the location they've chosen to watch from is accessible, noting that Baxter State Park and other state park campgrounds will be closed during the event, and dirt roads may be closed due to impassable conditions. If you're hiking, the governor encouraged people to stay on marked trails that match their level of expertise, and watch for ticks. She also noted that there could still be snow on the ground in some areas, especially given this week's forecasted nor'easter. She also said warm clothes are a necessity, because the weather in Maine in April is unpredictable and the temperature could drop as much as 10 degrees during the eclipse. And proper eyewear is also important, she said.
"Bring your boots, bring your coat, wear layers -- you don't know what the temperatures are going to be or what the ground conditions are going to be," Mills said. "We're hoping people don't traipse around in the woods, because they will get lost and they might meet some critters they don't want to meet or logging trucks they shouldn't want to meet."
She also told eclipse watchers to be prepared for traffic delays following the eclipse.
"Be patient, be ready, make sure you have what you need in your vehicle -- snacks, clothing, gas," Mills said. "We want to make sure you get there easily, and that means being patient and driving safely when things are slow on the road. We hope all goes smoothly; we plan that it will. But we'll be keeping an eye on things and responding to any situations -- traffic and the like -- as we can."
Here's a full list of the tips provided by Maine officials:
Before eclipse day
- Obtain ISO-certified eclipse glasses; looking directly at the sun can burn your eyes.
- Plan primary and backup travel routes ahead of time
- Make any necessary travel accommodations now
- Pack a paper map – cell phone towers may become overloaded, and cell service is spotty in many areas within the path of totality
- Research places to obtain fuel and supplies near or at your destination
- Obtain permission before accessing privately owned lands.
- Know that Maine State Park campgrounds and ATV trails will be closed.
- Plan as if you will get stuck in traffic; be patient, and pack plenty of snacks and water.
- Consider packing an emergency car kit (see below).
- Planning to stay overnight on Monday is a great way to avoid traffic.
- Pay attention to the forecast and dress accordingly – keep in mind that the temperature will drop as much as 10 degrees during the eclipse.
On eclipse day
- Wear your eclipse glasses while watching the event to avoid damaging your eyes.
- Have a full tank of gas or a full charge.
- It’s mud season in Maine – many dirt roads may not be passable. Stay on paved roads at all times.
- Be aware of Maine State Park guidelines – campgrounds and ATV trails will be closed during the event.
- If you park and hike into the woods, do not hike beyond your skill level.
- Watch out for ticks.
- Never drive with eclipse glasses on.
- If you consume alcohol during the eclipse, be sure you have a designated driver.
Emergency car kit recommendations
- Paper map (in case cellular/GPS service is unavailable because of remote location or due to cell service overloads)
- Prescription medications and glasses
- First aid kit
- Cell phone and charger
- Water and snacks
- Books, games to occupy time during traffic delays
- Cash
Additional information about the eclipse can be found at maine.gov/eclipse2024.
