On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible in various regions of Mexico, the United States, and Canada, marking a historic event that won’t happen again for another 20 years. This celestial phenomenon occurs when the moon completely covers the sun for a period of time, creating a mesmerizing spectacle in the sky.
The total solar eclipse will traverse a path of 115 miles, with approximately 44 million people residing within the path of totality. Some of the states and provinces that will experience the total eclipse include Sinaloa, Durango, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nayarit, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan, Maine, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton.
While these areas will witness the total eclipse, other regions will only see a partial eclipse. To determine how the eclipse will unfold in your location, you can use a tool that allows you to input your zip code and view the eclipse trajectory accordingly.
In Arizona, for example, the eclipse will be visible at varying percentages depending on your location within the state. It is essential to use specially designed eclipse glasses or welding glasses to view the eclipse safely, as staring directly at the sun can cause permanent damage to your eyes.
If you’re in the path of totality, you can experience up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds of darkness near Torreon, Mexico. Most locations along the eclipse path will witness a total eclipse duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.
To view the eclipse, ensure that you have glasses certified as safe by the American Astronomical Society and NASA, with the ISO icon and reference number ISO 12312-2. While you can purchase eclipse glasses from various retailers such as Walmart, Lowe’s, Staples, Home Depot, Safeway, Fry’s, and Circle K, it is not recommended to buy them online from unapproved sources.
If you prefer a DIY approach, you can create a solar eclipse viewer at home using simple materials. The total solar eclipse is a captivating astronomical event where the moon aligns between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow and revealing the sun’s corona.
After April 8, 2024, the next opportunities to witness solar eclipses globally will be in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and various oceanic regions. Stay informed about upcoming celestial events and embrace the wonder of nature’s phenomena.
For more information on the 2024 total solar eclipse and future astronomical events, you can reach out to reporters Paula Soria at psoriaaguilar@gannett.com or Silvia Solis at silvia.solisgarza@gannett.com.
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