Next total solar eclipse: Everything To know

Next total solar eclipse: Date for next total solar eclipse, locations to watch from, how long will it last, How to prepare for it, facts And Everything To know

The next total solar eclipse is set to occur on April 8, 2024. This celestial event will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the Sun’s face. As a result, the sky will darken, resembling either dawn or dusk¹. It’s a remarkable phenomenon that captures the imagination of skywatchers worldwide!

Next Total Solar Eclipse: April 8, 2024

• Date and Time: On April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse will grace the skies. The celestial spectacle will also unfold between 11:42 a.m. and 4:52 p.m. EDT.
• Path of Totality: The eclipse’s path will stretch across North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk, creating an awe-inspiring moment.

Locations to Watch From:

• The total solar eclipse will be visible along a narrow track from Texas to Maine in the contiguous U.S. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states.
• Specific cities and towns within this path will experience totality. Here are a couple of examples:
  • Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET, and also totality occurs at 3:27 p.m. ET.
  • Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET, and totality occurs at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Duration:

• The total phase of the eclipse will last for a few minutes, depending on your location within the path of totality.

How to Prepare:

• • Eye Safety: Protect your eyes during the eclipse. Regular sunglasses won’t suffice. Use proper solar eclipse glasses or viewers.
  • Pinhole Projector: Create a simple pinhole projector using two pieces of card or paper to safely watch a projection of the eclipse.
  • Also Box Pinhole Projector: DIY a pinhole projector using a cardboard box and household items.
  • Sun Projector: Use binoculars or a telescope to safely watch the solar eclipse or a planet transit.
  • Livestream: If you can’t be in the path of totality, watch the eclipse via livestream.

Fascinating Facts:

• • Eclipse Magnitude: Astronomers associate a number called “eclipse magnitude” with solar or lunar eclipses. It quantifies the extent of the eclipse.
  • Total Solar Eclipses: These occur when the New Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, casting the darkest part of its shadow (the umbra) on Earth.
  • Annular Solar Eclipses: In an annular eclipse, the Moon moves in front of the Sun but leaves the outer edge of the Sun visible as a “ring of fire.”
  • Hybrid Solar Eclipses: These start as total solar eclipses but change into annular solar eclipses.
  • Frequency: There are between 2 and 5 solar eclipses every year, each visible only in a limited area.