The 2024 Great North American Solar Eclipse is set to be a once-in-a-lifetime event that will captivate millions of people across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This total solar eclipse, where the moon completely blocks the light of the sun, will be the first to appear across the United States since 2017 and won’t happen again until 2044, according to NASA.
The significance of this eclipse lies in its visibility across major metropolitan areas, making it accessible to a vast number of people. More than 30 million individuals already live within the path of totality, which offers the best viewing experience. Dani LeBlanc, director of the Center for Space Science at the Museum of Science, Boston, emphasizes the rarity of this event, stating that witnessing a total solar eclipse can be a profound experience and encourages everyone to seize this opportunity.
While Southern New England states will experience a partial eclipse, Northern New England will witness the more spectacular totality. In some areas, the sky will go dark for approximately four minutes. For those interested in observing the total solar eclipse in New England, NASA’s website provides a location finder.
Titi Shodiya, executive producer and host of the Dope Labs podcast, expresses excitement about this celestial phenomenon, highlighting that those in the contiguous United States have a front-row seat to this extraordinary event. The Museum of Science, Boston, in collaboration with Dope Labs, has launched a six-episode podcast series dedicated to educating listeners about the upcoming solar eclipse. The series covers topics such as how eclipses occur, fascinating space facts, the path of totality through New England, and safety tips for viewing.
Zakiya Whatley, co-host of Dope Labs, encourages people to witness the beauty of the eclipse firsthand if they are in close proximity to the path of totality. She assures that it will be a breathtaking experience. The eclipse itself will last only a few minutes, but the entire spectacle can take up to two and a half hours as the moon slowly moves across the sun, gradually darkening the surroundings.
Shodiya adds that during the eclipse, the environment will become progressively darker and cooler for those within the path of totality or areas where a significant portion of the sun is covered. People may notice changes in animal behavior, and some describe the experience leading up to totality as eerie.
Safety is of utmost importance when observing a solar eclipse. Looking directly at the sun without proper eye protection can cause severe damage. Specialized eclipse glasses, which are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses, are essential for safe viewing. Whatley emphasizes the importance of purchasing eclipse glasses or handheld viewers that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard from reputable suppliers. The Museum of Science at mos.org/eclipse is recommended as a trustworthy source for purchasing these specialized glasses.
During the eclipse, viewers should watch for a bright flash just before the moon completely covers the sun and for the appearance of the sun’s corona during totality. The corona, the fiery outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere, is typically hidden by the sun’s bright surface but becomes visible during a total solar eclipse.
Preparations for this cosmic event are underway throughout New England, with numerous special events planned. Star parties, carnivals, concerts, and more will be held at various state and local parks, ski resorts, campgrounds, museums, hotels, and resorts. Many places in Northern New England, which are usually closed in spring, are opening early to celebrate the eclipse. Lodging near the path of totality is in high demand and selling out quickly, so it is advisable to make arrangements promptly.
In Vermont, several cities including Burlington, Montpelier, Middlebury, Newport, and St. Johnsbury will experience up to three and a half minutes of complete or partial darkness. Various events are planned in these areas, such as the Sun+Moon+YOU program at the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury and a unique eclipse viewing experience at Jay Peak ski resort, where lifts will pause, and the band Pink Talking Fish will perform Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon.”
New Hampshire, which hasn’t witnessed a total solar eclipse since 1959 and won’t see another until 2079, will experience about 95 percent coverage statewide. The Great North Woods region will be in the path of totality, while the rest of the state will witness a partial eclipse. The Lodges at Coleman State Park will open early for public viewing, and the Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center at Crawford Notch and Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch will host a series of events including guided hikes, night sky tours, naturalist programs, cosmic crafts, and live streams from NASA. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord will also hold a Great American Eclipse Viewing Party.
In Maine, the path of totality enters near Jackman and crosses over Baxter State