At what time do you have to start listening to ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ in your city during the eclipse?

Millions of North American citizens are gearing up ahead of the solar eclipse on Monday 8 April as the fortunate group that lives in the path of totality, some 31 million individuals in 15 states, will have the chance to see the Moon completely block out the Sun momentarily.

Follow solar eclipse in USA 2024 live online: reactions, best images and latest news.

The uniqueness of a total eclipse though, lies in the projection of a shadow on the Earth, which occurs thanks to the Moon completely covering the Sun for a few moments, causing a brief period of nighttime darkness during the day. During this period, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona, becomes visible, showing a slight flare around Earth’s natural satellite.

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The 2024 eclipse path

The path of the 2024 eclipse will start in Mexico and enter the United States via Texas before traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Many friends and family will be gathering for the unique phenomenon and this has not been wasted on major brands and outlets with the likes of Burger King, Krispy Kreme and Pizza Hut offering eclipse discounts and deals as eclipse enthusiasts snap up t-shirts, key rings and other merchandise to mark the occasion.

Anyone tuning into the radio in the US and especially on the path of the eclipse is destined to hear one song dominate the airwaves.

Press play time

So, you’re in the eclipse path, you’ve got your eclipse t-shirt on, the house is full of Krispy Kreme delights, all that lacks is the music and it can only be one track....Bonnie Tyler’s 1983 single ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ has become the default anthem for solar eclipses.

What time should you press play? That depends on your location in relation to the path of the eclipse.

We recommend the radio edit of the song which runs to 4 minutes and 27 seconds (as opposed to the longer seven minute album version) which is ideal for the duration of the eclipse.