Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024: Where and How to Watch
An upcoming celestial event is set to captivate millions of Americans this year. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies, offering a breathtaking spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. In this article, we will explore when and where this extraordinary event will occur, as well as provide tips on how to safely watch it.
When is the total solar eclipse?
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, as this is the date when the next total solar eclipse will take place. The celestial phenomenon will commence on Mexico’s Pacific coast at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT. From there, it will traverse across parts of the United States and Canada before bidding farewell to continental North America at 5:19 p.m. EDT.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon aligns perfectly with the sun, causing it to cast a shadow on Earth as our planet rotates. This shadowy path is known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse is visible in all its glory. After the upcoming April 8 event, the next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. will occur on August 23, 2044. It’s worth noting that the last total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. happened in August 2017, marking the first time in nearly a century that an eclipse traversed the entire continent.
Where will the total solar eclipse be visible?
Approximately 31.6 million people reside within the 200-mile path of totality, which is where the total solar eclipse will be fully visible, according to NASA. For comparison, an estimated 12 million people had the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse in 2017.
The journey of this awe-inspiring phenomenon begins in Mexico and progresses northeast, crossing several U.S. states before venturing into northeast Canada. The full total eclipse will be visible in southern Texas at around 1:40 p.m. local time, followed by parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and southeast Missouri. Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana will experience the total eclipse around 2 p.m., with Ohio joining the spectacle at approximately 3:13 p.m.
As the eclipse continues its path, parts of Pennsylvania and northwestern New York will witness the total eclipse around 3:16 p.m. and 3:18 p.m., respectively. It will then proceed to grace parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine before bidding farewell to North America and making its way to Canada at around 4:25 p.m.
How can you safely watch the solar eclipse?
While observing a solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring experience, it is crucial to prioritize safety. When the sun is partially covered by the moon, it is essential to use protective eclipse glasses to avoid eye injury. These specialized glasses are not sunglasses; they are a thousand times darker and must comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard, as recommended by NASA. The American Astronomical Society provides a list of approved solar viewers for your convenience.
It is important to note that looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe eye damage. Only when the sun is fully covered by the moon is it safe to observe it with your naked eyes. However, it’s worth mentioning that parts of the sun may still be visible before and after the eclipse reaches its brief totality.
NASA advises against looking at the eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The intense solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury. If you prefer an indirect method of viewing the eclipse, you can create a homemade pinhole projector, which allows you to witness the celestial phenomenon without directly looking at the sun.
As the date approaches, make sure to plan your viewing location within the path of totality for an optimal experience. Whether you choose to travel to witness this extraordinary event or enjoy it from the comfort of your own backyard, the upcoming total solar eclipse promises to be a mesmerizing sight that will leave a lasting impression on all who are fortunate enough to witness it.
About the Author:
Caitlin O’Kane is a New York City journalist who works as a senior manager of content and production on the CBS News social media team. She writes about a variety of topics and produces “The Uplift,” CBS News’ streaming show that focuses on good news. With her passion for sharing uplifting stories, Caitlin brings a unique perspective to the world of journalism.
