Total Solar Eclipse in the United States: A Once-in-a-Decade Event
On April 8, 2024, a rare total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States, providing a remarkable spectacle for sky gazers across the country. This celestial event occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun, fully blocking its light and casting a shadow on Earth.
Total solar eclipses are quite rare, and they are not often visible from the United States. The last total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. occurred in 2017, and the country will not witness another one until 2044.
The First Recorded Solar Eclipse in the United States
The first recorded total solar eclipse in the U.S. took place in 1778, just a few years after the country gained independence. Historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson and troops in George Washington’s army noted this extraordinary event.
Since then, several total solar eclipses have occurred in the United States, leaving an indelible mark on history and captivating millions of people.
Total Solar Eclipses in the 19th Century
During the 19th century, multiple total solar eclipses graced the skies of the United States:
- 1806: The first total solar eclipse of the 1800s, visible from Arizona to New England.
- 1869: This eclipse’s path of totality stretched from Alaska to the Carolinas and was the first to be published in Harper’s Magazine.
- 1878: The path of totality of this eclipse arced from Alaska through Louisiana and featured an all-woman team of astronomers, as well as Thomas Edison’s personal interest.
Total Solar Eclipses in the 20th Century
The 20th century witnessed several total solar eclipses in the United States:
- 1900: This eclipse’s path of totality passed over Wadesboro, North Carolina, captivating onlookers with its celestial splendor.
- 1918: Visible from Washington to Florida, this eclipse was the last one to span the entire continent for nearly 100 years.
- 1925: A total solar eclipse visible from Minnesota through New England.
- 1932: The path of totality for this eclipse fell mainly in Canada but was visible in northern New England.
- 1963: Visible in Alaska and parts of northern New England, this eclipse left its spectators in awe.
- 1970: A total solar eclipse visible from the coast of the Southwest United States.
- 1979: This eclipse was visible in the Pacific Northwest, parts of Idaho, and the Dakotas but primarily passed through Canada.
Total Solar Eclipses in the 21st Century
So far this century, only two total solar eclipses have been visible from the United States:
- 2017: The total solar eclipse of 2017 was visible across the entire country and attracted millions of spectators, bringing people together to witness this awe-inspiring event.
- 2024: The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will stretch from Texas to the Northeast, captivating millions of spectators along its path.
The Future of Total Solar Eclipses in the United States
Following the April 8, 2024 eclipse, the United States will have to wait until August 2044 to witness another total solar eclipse. These remarkable events occur about once every one to three years globally, but their visibility is often limited to Earth’s poles or the middle of the ocean.
So mark your calendars, as the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. is a once-in-a-decade opportunity that you won’t want to miss!
