The Masters at Augusta National is a familiar sight to almost every golf fan, but this year's tournament is going to briefly look a bit different, with a solar eclipse occuring during tournament week.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth. The most recent eclipse occurred in 2017, but another is taking place on April 8 this year, the Monday of the 2024 Masters.
This year's solar eclipse is expected to be the longest in United States history since 1806, with the path of totality - the locations where the eclipse will be visible - going through several major North American cities, including Dallas, Cleveland, Rochester and Montreal. It's the first time an eclipse takes place during Masters week since 1940, when Jimmy Demaret won the Green Jacket.
The Monday of the Masters week is often a time when players will play practice rounds to familiarize themselves with the course and take part in press conferences with the media. While Augusta, Georgia is 415 miles from the path of totality, the players on the course and everyone on-site will still get to experience something very impressive.
Augusta National recently made an announcement to media about the eclipse, saying: “Please note, there will be a partial solar eclipse in Augusta on Monday, April 8, beginning around 1:45 p.m., with an expected end around 4:20 p.m.
“To assist in viewing the eclipse, we will be providing each press member one pair of special solar glasses upon entry through the press portal.
“During the eclipse, please do not look at the sun without appropriate solar glasses. We ask that you exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings while wearing solar glasses.
"For those with cameras, please do not point it at the sun unless the optics are fitted with a certified solar filter. Optics can magnify the intensity of sunlight, and this can cause damage to your equipment.”
It is set to be the most-watched total solar eclipse in North America, with over 32 million people living within the path of totality in the US alone. The number rises to around 40 million when you include northern Mexico and Canada.
Augusta solar eclipse: An expert's guide
"The total solar eclipse will be visible on April 8, but only those within the path of totality — a 115-mile (185-kilometer) wide route across North America — will be able to experience a total solar eclipse where the moon covers 100% of the sun's disk," Daisy Dobrijevic, Reference Editor at Space.com told Golf Monthly.
"Augusta, Georgia lies outside the path of totality and will experience a partial solar eclipse whereby the moon appears to take a "bite" out of the sun. At the point of maximum eclipse, 76% of the sun will be obscured by the moon.
"The eclipse should be visible from the golf course as the sun will be relatively high in the sky at the time of maximum eclipse. Spectators may notice a slight change in temperature as the moon obscures the sun, but it won't be as drastic as during a total solar eclipse.
"As 24% of the sunlight is still visible, it will not turn dark but eagle-eyed observers may notice the environment turn slightly dusky."
For those looking directly towards the sky during the eclipse, appropriate eyewear is essential.
"To view the partial solar eclipse you must use specifically designed solar filters," Dobrijevic added. "Solar eclipse glasses are a must for direct viewing and if you're planning on watching through a telescope or binoculars they must be fitted with solar filters. Never look at the sun without adequate protection."
For fans staying in Augusta during the week, Dobrijevic recommends making the journey towards the path of totality.
"I recommend getting to the path of totality as a total solar eclipse is one of the most incredible sights you will ever experience," she said.
For everything you need to know about the eclipse, check out space.com’s extensive coverage.
