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Today ( April 8) , a totalsolar eclipsewill plunge part of 15 U.S. states into sudden shadow as the Sun Myung Moon ’s enormous shadow sweeps across the continent .
Crossing northeast from Mexico to Canada over the course of several hour , the April 8 totalsolar eclipsewill be visible to an estimated 44 million hoi polloi who live in thepath of totality — the path of the moon ’s dark , and the only place where the total phase of the eclipse will be visible — while a partial eclipse will be seeable across most the entire U.S.
Map of path of totality across North America of solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Here ’s everything you want to make love about solar eclipses , and how to safely view today ’s dramatic heavenly event safely .
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse takes place when the moonlight passes directly between Earth and the Dominicus . From our linear perspective , the moon seem to block the sunshine ’s entire look , projecting its huge phantasm onto our planet . While the lunar month gets between Earth and the sun every calendar month during its new moon form , it takes aprecise compounding of factorsfor this to leave in a solar eclipse .
Where to see the April 8 total solar eclipse
The total occultation will only be visible along the 115 - mile - wide ( 185 km ) , 10,000 - mile - foresightful ( 16,000 kilometre ) way of totality . The path begins in Sinaloa , Mexico , crosses 15 U.S. state , then passes through the Canadian provinces of Ontario , Quebec , New Brunswick , Nova Scotia , Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland before leaving the continent .
The U.S. United States Department of State where totality will be visible areTexas , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Missouri , Kentucky , Tennessee , Illinois , Indiana , Ohio , Michigan , Pennsylvania , New York , Vermont , New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glance by the moon ’s shadow .
Only in these state will the total phase of the occultation be seeable ; and even in these states , you will need to be within the path of aggregate to see the total eclipse . The closer you’re able to get to the center of the route of total , and the further southwest you are , the long total will be seeable for , with a maximum duration of 4 bit , 27 seconds in Torreón , Mexico . For more information on the distance and clip of totality in various urban center , look into out theGreat American Eclipse website .
Map of path of totality across North America of solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Related:10 uncanny thing that happen during a solar occultation
Where will the partial eclipse be visible?
The partial phase of the eclipse will be visible to some extent across the entire neighboring United States , browse from a 99 % partial eclipse in areas just outside the path of totality to a 15 % partial eclipse far to the northwestern United States of the track . Here ’s what you’re able to carry to see in your locating .
Where can I find maps of the solar eclipse?
If you are unsure exactly where the course of entireness will cross , how much you will see if you are outside this path , or how much time you need to force to the distributor point of totality , thesesolar eclipse mapswill help you plan your experience .
How to safely view the eclipse
To regard the partial phases of the eclipse you MUST tire out protective eyewear , such as a duo ofISO - certify solar eclipse trash , at all clock time . This is true whether or not you are in the path of totality .
To be absolved : No matter where you are on April 8,NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE PARTIAL ECLIPSEwithout protective eyewear , oryou could risk permanent center damage .
The ONLY TIME it is safe to calculate at the eclipse with the naked eye is during the few moment of totality , when the sun ’s facial expression is totally bar by the moon , allot to NASA . Only viewers within the way of totality will be able-bodied to remove their solar glasses to experience this moment .
A map of total and partial eclipse coverage across North America on April 8, 2024.
Other safe ways to view the partial phase of the eclipse admit using ahandheld occultation looker , looking through a solar telescope orbinoculars fit out with a solar filter , or watching aNASA livestreamfrom dwelling house .
Related:7 safe ways to watch the fond phases of the total solar eclipse
Can I record the eclipse with my phone?
Yes , it is possible to record parts of the eclipse successfully on your phone , but it does add up with risks to both your photographic camera and potentially your own eyesight , especially during the fond stage of the where you launch the risk of circumstantially looking at the sun while you are seek to line up your shot . This is why when gear up up your camera it is advisable to wear solar glasses even when you are not looking directly at the sun .
The only secure way to take an image of a fond eclipse is to practice the same case of filter as those discover in solar occultation glasses , or a ready - made smartphone solar filter .
The only time it is safe to take photos of the eclipse without a filter is during the brief flow of totality , but there are a number of things you could do at this item to help you take the good possiblephotos and television of the eclipse on your smartphone .
Solar eclipse glasses must be warn at all times while viewing the partial phases of the eclipse.
What time does the eclipse start?
The eclipse makes landfall at Mazatlán , Sinaloa , at 9:51 a.m. local time ( 12:51 p.m. EDT ) , fit in toTime and Date . The moon ’s shadow will pass over the continent for several hours before strive the ocean near the Canadian state of Newfoundland and Labrador at 5:16 p.m. local time ( 3:46 p.m. EDT ) .
Here iswhen total will occurin the 13 states where it will be wide visible .
What will happen during totality?
Depending on how reset the sky are , entirety could bring a parade of strange phenomenon with it .
As the moonshine ’s shadow approaching , there ’ll be a significant drop in temperature , usually between 5 to 10 stage Fahrenheit ( 2.8 to 5.6 grade Anders Celsius ) . As the flat coat cools , low - level swarm may go away .
About 30 seconds before total , crinkly lines known as shadow dance orchestra may appear on the sides of building and vehicle . Just a few second before totality , bet up ( while wearing your eclipse glasses ) andyou may see Bailey ’s beadsappear around the edge of the Sun Myung Moon ; these bedazzle dots are the last bit of sunlight peeking through the mountains on the moon .
Baily’s Beads, total eclipse of the Sun.
If the skies are clear , totality will impart a wall of darkness that turns midday to dusk . Only then can you remove your eclipse glasses . vivid stars and major planet may be seeable in the darkened sky , while a 360 - degree sundown may come along on the skyline . fauna may act queerly , growing spookily quiet and assuming their nighttime behaviors . Colors will look different , with putting green and blues popping while reds depend dimmer . When the sun is to the full dominate , its corona , or KO’d atmosphere , will be clearly visible behind the dark lunar month .
After a few minutes , totality will end , and you must put your eclipse glasses on again .
What if it’s cloudy out?
Various occultation phenomena will still be seeable , depending on the extent and type of cloud screening in the area . Here ’s more entropy onwhat to require if there are clouds around on the day .
How often do total solar eclipses occur?
Total solar eclipses are n’t rare ; they happen somewhere on Earth every 18 months , on intermediate . However , it ’s rarified that a full solar eclipse is visible from a populated area , and rarer still for an eclipse to queer North America .
The last entire solar occultation in the United States was on Aug. 21 , 2017 , sweep westwards across 14 states from Oregon to South Carolina . A full solar eclipse occurs in the same seat on Earthonce every 366 yr , on median .
When is the next solar eclipse in North America?
— April 8 solar eclipse : What fourth dimension does totality start in every body politic ?
— These eclipse - themed place will receive totality on April 8 , 2024
— Total solar occultation April 2024 : The 10 biggest cities within the path of totality
The next total solar eclipse seeable in North America pass on March 30 , 2033 — however , only part of Alaska will see totality .
A total solar occultation on Aug. 22 , 2044 , will be seeable in parts of Montana and North Dakota . Another total occultation less than one yr later , on Aug. 12 , 2045 , will be visible from northern California , Nevada , Utah , Colorado , Kansas , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Mississippi , Alabama and Florida .
