2024 Solar Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: What to Expect and How to Prepare

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking out the sun's light. The path of totality, where the eclipse can be seen in its entirety, is a narrow band that crosses the Earth's surface.

The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will move across North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This will be the first total solar eclipse to be visible from the United States since 2017.

Path of Total Eclipse

The path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico, near Mazatlán. It will then cross the United States from west to east, passing over the following states: * Texas * Oklahoma * Arkansas * Missouri * Illinois * Kentucky * Ohio * Pennsylvania * New York * Vermont * New Hampshire * Maine The path of totality will end in Canada, near St. John's, Newfoundland.

Time of Eclipse

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at approximately 11:00 AM CST. The eclipse will reach its peak at 1:18 PM CST, when the moon will completely block out the sun for approximately 3 minutes. The eclipse will end in Canada at approximately 3:30 PM EST.

How to View the Eclipse Safely

It is never safe to look directly at the sun, even during a solar eclipse. The intense light from the sun can damage your eyes and cause permanent vision loss. To view the eclipse safely, you must use a solar filter. Solar filters are available at most science museums and astronomy stores. They can also be purchased online. There are several ways to view the eclipse with a solar filter: * Solar eclipse glasses are the simplest and most affordable way to view the eclipse. They are lightweight and easy to use, and they provide excellent protection for your eyes. * Sun projectors are a great way to share the eclipse with others. They project the image of the eclipse onto a piece of paper or cardboard, which can be viewed by multiple people at once. * Binoculars or a telescope can be used to magnify the image of the eclipse. This is a great option for photographers who want to capture the eclipse in detail.

What to Expect During the Eclipse

During the total solar eclipse, the sky will darken and the temperature will drop. You may see stars and planets that are normally invisible during the day. The animals around you may also react strangely, as they are confused by the sudden change in light. The total solar eclipse is a rare and awe-inspiring event. If you have the opportunity to see it, be sure to take advantage of it.