Solar eclipse
A solar eclipse. Shutterstock

The solar eclipse will impact pickleball across the nation

DALLAS, TX – A total solar eclipse will move across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada today.

But, how will this rare astrological event impact pickleball?

Well, the eclipse will pass over a series of major cities with countless outdoor courts that are constantly in use, no matter the time of day, so players might need to put things on pause for a few minutes if it gets too dark.

In Dallas, which is home to Pickleball Inc. HQ, NASA predicts the partial eclipse will begin at 12:23 p.m. CDT, with totality lasting from 1:40 to 1:44 p.m. CDT, so there’s going to be a short blackout.

Pickleball courts at night
Pickleball courts at night. Shutterstock

Yes, the moon will completely block out sunlight for about four minutes in the middle of the afternoon and things will go dark.

So, if you’re playing pickleball on your lunch hour, or as an early afternoon workout, you will likely experience darkness for twice as long as the two-minute eclipse from 2017.

But, don't look at the eclipse without special glasses that are CE and ISO certified to guarantee your safety. Regular sunglesses simply won't do the trick!

As much fun as glow-in-the-dark pickleball would be, you need to see the ball and the court to play, so be prepared to take a water break.

The total eclipse doesn’t stop in Dallas, of course. Places like Little Rock, Cleveland, and Buffalo will be affected, along with many others.

To see the trajectory of the eclipse, as well as times of totality, check out NASA’s insights.