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The April 8 total solar eclipse: Everything you need to know
Solar Eclipse. The moon moving in front of the sun
Here are some tips on safely viewing the total solar eclipse on April 8 as the moon’s shadow sweeps across Mexico, the U.S., and eastern Canada.
If you live in North America, you’re in luck. You’ll be experiencing your first solar eclipse in almost a decade—and even though the last one happened in 2017, the next eclipse is expected to occur in August 2044, so it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity!
What is a Solar Eclipse?
“It’s an alignment of the sun, the moon, and the earth in such a way that the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth, blocking the sun’s rays from reaching the earth’s surface,” says Noah Petro, an Artemis III project scientist at NASA.
It’s important to note that a solar eclipse involving the moon passing in front of the sun differs from a lunar eclipse, where the moon takes on a dark red hue. Nearly an entire hemisphere can see the latter, as it occurs when Earth’s shadow blocks the sun’s rays from illuminating the moon during the night, making it a widely visible event.
When will the solar eclipse occur, and where will it be the most visible?
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over parts of North America. This rare event lasts about four minutes, depending on where you are. You can see when it will happen in your city by checking NASA’s detailed map online.
This eclipse will mostly be seen in Mexico, the United States, and some eastern Canada. In Mexico, cities like Mazatlán, Durango, and Torreón will get a great view. In the U.S., places like Dallas, Texas; Russellville, Arkansas; Carbondale, Illinois; Greenwood, Indiana; and Buffalo, New York, are some of the best spots to watch it.
To make sure you get the best view, find a place with clear skies. Weather can be an issue, especially in places like northern New England, where it might be cloudy. Also, many hotels and camping spots in the best viewing areas are already booked. You might need to stay a bit further away and drive to a good spot on the eclipse day to see everything clearly. You will also need protective gear if you intend to watch the eclipse directly because looking directly at the sun is never recommended.
Can I view the eclipse online?
YES! NASA will live stream the solar eclipse on its YouTube channel! The broadcast will be free and contain telescopic views of the eclipse and helpful insights from scientists.
