North America is gearing up for an extraordinary celestial event that will captivate millions of people across the region. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across northern Mexico, the United States, and southeastern Canada, offering a rare opportunity to witness the sun’s corona with the naked eye. This remarkable event is set to be one of the most significant total solar eclipses in recent history, and here’s why:
1. The Longest U.S Total Solar Eclipse Since 1806
Those fortunate enough to be in Mexico during the eclipse may experience an astonishing 4 minutes and 28 seconds of totality. As the moon’s shadow moves from southwest to northeast, the duration of totality will decrease slightly. However, on the U.S.-Mexico border, a totality of 4 minutes and 26 seconds is still possible. The last time North America witnessed such a lengthy totality was on June 16, 1806, when a total solar eclipse lasting up to 4 minutes and 55 seconds traversed the United States from Baja California to Cape Cod. This event, known as Tecumseh’s Eclipse, holds historical significance as two Shawnee leaders predicted and observed it from Greenville, Ohio.
2. Occurring at Solar Maximum
The upcoming total solar eclipse will coincide with solar maximum, a period characterized by heightened solar activity. The sun’s corona, visible during totality, will appear larger, more symmetrical, and sunflower-like compared to the previous eclipse in 2017. Solar minimum, the phase with the lowest magnetic activity, results in an asymmetrical and thorny corona. The last time a total solar eclipse aligned with solar maximum in North America was on February 26, 1979. This convergence promises an awe-inspiring spectacle for sky gazers.
3. The Darkest U.S Total Solar Eclipse in 217 Years
A longer totality also means a darker experience. Eclipse-chasers who witnessed the twilight-like light during the 2017 total solar eclipse will be surprised by the increased darkness on April 8. The magnitude of a solar eclipse, which refers to the fraction of the sun’s diameter obscured by the moon, determines the level of darkness. In 2017, the magnitude was 1.03, and the path of totality spanned approximately 70 miles. On April 8, the magnitude will be 1.05, and the path of totality will extend around 115 miles, revealing not only Venus but also Jupiter.
4. The Possibility of a Visible Comet
While it may be a long shot, there is a chance that a comet will be visible during the total solar eclipse. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the “Devil Comet,” will be relatively close to Jupiter, approximately 25 degrees from the sun. Although it is unlikely to be easily seen without an outburst, which has occurred in the past, the comet could reach a magnitude of +4.7, making it potentially visible to the naked eye. Observers equipped with binoculars may have a better chance of spotting it or capturing it through long-exposure images.
5. The Most-Watched Total Solar Eclipse in North America
Approximately 31 million people in the United States reside within the path of totality, which spans parts of 15 states. When considering northern Mexico and Canada, the total number of individuals within the path reaches around 40 million. This eclipses the estimated 12 million people who witnessed the 2017 total solar eclipse. The widespread accessibility and anticipation surrounding this event make it likely to become the most-watched total solar eclipse in North American history.
6. An Urban Eclipse Experience
Surprisingly, about a quarter of all individuals experiencing totality on April 8 will do so from within a city. Major cities such as Mazatlán and Torreón in Mexico, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Austin, and parts of San Antonio in Texas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo, Rochester, Hamilton, Niagara, St. Catharines, Kingston, and Montreal in Canada will all fall within the path of totality. This means that approximately 10 million people will have the opportunity to witness this celestial spectacle from an urban setting.
In addition to these unique aspects, the April 8 total solar eclipse holds several other distinctions. It will be the last total solar eclipse in North America until 2033 when Alaska will witness one. Moreover, with a peak totality of 4 minutes and 28 seconds in Nazas, Mexico, it will be the longest observed on land since the 4 minutes and 40 seconds totality on Rapa Nui/Easter Island in 2010. Furthermore, it intersects with the path of the 2017 total solar eclipse, allowing Southern Illinois and Missouri to experience totality for the second time in less than seven years
