On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America, crossing mainland Mexico, the United States, and Canada. If weather conditions permit, 12 states will see a total solar eclipse in April 2024. 31 million Americans live along the 115-mile path of totality, and millions more will travel to see the solar eclipse in April 2024. For those planning to rent a camper van, our Chicago hub is the most convenient location for the eclipse path. If you plan to drive to the eclipse, we recommend using some road trip games to pass the time in the car.
Over the US, the solar eclipse will start in Texas and pass through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and lastly, Maine. The last total solar eclipse over the continental US was in 2017, and the next one won’t occur over the US until 2044. So now is the chance to see it!
2024 Solar Eclipse Path
Upon reaching continental North America, the eclipse will cross over Mexico before the total solar eclipse passes over Texas. Dallas. The eclipse time in Dallas, TX will have totality from 1:40 pm CDT to 1:44 pm CDT, with maximum totality at 1:42 pm CDT.
The total solar eclipse will continue to cross North America and end after passing over Canada. Totality in Caribou, Maine, will occur from 3:32 pm to 3:34 pm EDT, with maximum totality at 3:33 pm EDT. NASA’s totality timetable is a great reference.
Good weather with clear skies is necessary to see the total eclipse, and we won’t know what the weather will look like on April 8, 2024. However, based on average spring weather, there’s a greater chance of clear skies in Texas and southern states than in the northeast, which usually has more cloudy spring days.
The continental US will see a partial solar eclipse across all 48 states. You can see the eclipse today near Ohio, or even view the eclipse in New York. However, the further from the total eclipse path, the less spectacular it will be and the less you’ll see a difference as it passes over.
When to See the Eclipse
What to Expect During the Eclipse
During the eclipse, the moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun’s face. The 115-mile-wide path from Mazatlan, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada, will have a chance to see a total solar eclipse. Along the path, totality will last from one to four and a half minutes depending on your location.
In totality, the sky will turn dark, like dusk or dawn. If the skies are clear, viewers will see the Sun’s corona, the outermost part of the sun. The corona is made of many gases, creating the sun’s outer atmosphere.
During the 2024 solar eclipse, viewers might also see the Sun’s chromosphere. This thin layer of plasma between the Sun’s surface and the corona emits bright, colorful light and is described as a “sphere of color,” often purple, pink, or red.
Solar Eclipse Safety
Eye safety is especially important when watching the eclipse. It’s dangerous to look at the sun except for the short period in which the moon lines up perfectly to block the face of the sun – the total solar eclipse. Eye protection is needed before and after totality, or serious eye damage can occur.
Even looking at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, or binoculars without proper eye protection or a certified solar filter over the lens will cause eye injury.
Solar viewing “eclipse glasses” are essential for viewing the sun during the solar eclipse. These are not regular sunglasses. Eclipse glasses are much darker than even the darkest sunglasses.
To view the eclipse safely, purchase legit eclipse glasses. The American Astronomical Society has a list of safe glasses to use when viewing the sun during a solar eclipse. The glasses must meet the international standard ISO 12312-2.
Without legit eclipse glasses, you should not look at the sun. Unfortunately, scams and fake glasses are on the market and can severely damage your eyes. The American Astronomical Society also has information about how to tell if your glasses are safe.
If you are reusing glasses from the 2017 total solar eclipse and are in great shape, they are safe to reuse. Ensure the filter isn’t scratched, torn, punctured, or coming loose from the frame, provided the glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standards established in 2015.
Solar Eclipse 2024 Events
Many events are happening across the United States for the 2024 solar eclipse. Events range from multi-day festivals to viewings in local community areas. Here are a few resources to check out events across the country:
NASA
American Astronomical Society
National Park Service
2024 Solar Eclipse Tips
Monitor the weather. Even if you’re along the eclipse path, you’re not guaranteed to see the eclipse. You need clear skies to see the sun and moon align. So stay flexible based on conditions.
Plan where you’ll watch the eclipse. Large crowds will fill event spaces during the eclipse, both in cities and natural areas. Do a little research before you head out.
Look up parking. Some places might charge parking fees, and others will require a long walk from the parking area to the viewing area.
Remember sunblock! While watching the eclipse, you’ll spend a lot of time outside in the sun before and after the eclipse occurs. Proper skin protection is essential.
Buy Eclipse glasses ASAP! The closer to the date, the harder it is to find legitimate eclipse glasses. We recommend ordering glasses now or picking them up from a store as soon as possible.
Wear proper eclipse glasses to stay safe! This can’t be reiterated enough. If you’re not careful and wear legit eclipse safety glasses, permanent eye damage can occur.
Enjoy the moment! Eclipse totality only lasts for seconds or minutes, depending on your location. You shouldn’t waste time trying to take photos because a smartphone’s pictures won’t cut it.
Even if you have a nice camera, you won’t want to mess around with settings unless you know what you’re doing. You should enjoy this rare and extraordinary experience with your eyes rather than through a camera lens.
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