When is the total solar eclipse in 2024? Date, time, trajectory and where to see from the US
Americans across the US will soon have a chance to witness a total solar eclipse. Here’s what you need to know: date, time, route and where best to see it.
Residents of the United States will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most fascinating astronomical events there is for a second time in seven years. A total solar eclipse will traverse a wide swath of North America, and nearly every American will be able to view at least a partial eclipse from where they live.
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.
Areas located in the path of totality, the center of the Moon’s shadow when it hits the Earth, will experience a total eclipse. The phenomenon will only be visible within a narrow path on the Earth’s surface. The total solar eclipse can only be seen in North America.
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When will the total solar eclipse be in 2024? Date and Time
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of North America on Monday, April 8. The phenomenon will begin around 11:07 a.m. PT over the Pacific coast of Mexico. Later, it will pass over the United States, beginning 12:23 p.m. CT, through Texas.
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Map of the route of the total solar eclipse
Once the eclipse enters the United States, the event will move to Oklahoma and move northeast, passing through Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York , Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Some parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also be able to see the event.
Later, the phenomenon will enter Canada through southern Ontario and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. The eclipse will leave North America along the coast Newfoundland Atlantic.
Where to see the eclipse from the US?
The eclipse will be visible in the above-mentioned states, the area the Moon’s shadow will traverse is home to over 31 million people. However, if you are outside the strip or simply not in the United States, you can still enjoy the phenomenon through a special NASA broadcast with comments from experts who will answer questions live.
If the skies are clear, you can most likely just step outside to see a partial eclipse. According to NASA nearly 99% of Americans will be able to view the magnificent celestial spectacle in some form from where they live. According to scientists and experts on the subject, the eclipse on April 8 will be the last total solar eclipse visible in the US until 2044.