A Comprehensive Guide to Observing the 2024 Solar Eclipse: Tips and Locations
Sky-gazers across North America are in for an extraordinary celestial event on April 8th as a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This rare occurrence will be visible to millions of people, including 32 million in the US alone, who live along the path of totality. For those fortunate enough to be in the areas experiencing totality, the moon will completely cover the sun, creating a breathtaking spectacle lasting between 3½ and 4 minutes.
The upcoming solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity for sky enthusiasts and scientists alike. The next total solar eclipse visible across the contiguous United States won’t occur until August 2044, so it’s crucial to make the most of this incredible phenomenon. To help you prepare, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming solar eclipse.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun’s face. Those within the path of totality will witness a complete solar eclipse, while those outside the path will still see a partial solar eclipse where only part of the sun’s face is obscured. During a total solar eclipse, the sky will darken, resembling dawn or dusk. The event unfolds in several phases, starting with a partial eclipse where it appears as though the moon is taking a “bite” out of the sun. This partial eclipse can last between 70 and 80 minutes, depending on your location.
As the moon begins to cross in front of the sun, a mesmerizing phenomenon called Baily’s beads occurs. The sun’s rays shine around valleys on the moon’s horizon, creating glowing drops of light around the moon. As totality nears, Baily’s beads disappear one by one until only a single point of light remains, resembling a glistening giant diamond ring. The diamond ring vanishes when totality arrives, plunging the area into complete darkness. Bright stars and planets like Venus may become visible, and the air temperature will drop as the sun disappears. The sudden darkness even causes animals to grow quiet. During totality, the chromosphere, a part of the sun’s atmosphere, may glow in a thin pink circle, while the corona, the sun’s hot outer atmosphere, will appear as white light. As the moon continues its journey across the sun’s face, the diamond ring and Baily’s beads reappear on the opposite side until the sun fully reemerges.
Now that you understand the magic of a solar eclipse, where can you witness this incredible event? The total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Mexico, Canada, and more than 10 US states. Additionally, a crescent-shaped partial solar eclipse is expected to appear in 49 states, weather permitting. The eclipse will first appear over the South Pacific Ocean and make its way across North America. The path of totality begins on Mexico’s Pacific coast at 11:07 a.m. PT (2:07 p.m. ET) and continues through several US states, including Texas, Illinois, and New York. Finally, it crosses over Canada in southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and ends on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland at 5:16 p.m. (3:46 p.m. ET). To determine what the eclipse will look like from your viewing location, use our interactive map.
Safety is paramount when viewing a solar eclipse. The only time it is safe to view the sun without eye protection is during totality when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light. Outside of totality, it is crucial to wear certified ISO 12312-2 compliant eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer at all times. Never look directly at the sun without proper protection, as it can result in blindness or disrupted vision. Sunglasses are not sufficient as they do not block the necessary amount of infrared radiation. Always ensure that your eclipse glasses or solar viewers meet the international safety standard and have been purchased from reputable manufacturers and resellers. To test the authenticity of your eclipse glasses, try them out indoors before using them to look at the sun.
Eclipses offer scientists a unique opportunity to study the sun and its interactions with Earth. NASA has selected several projects to fund during the upcoming total solar eclipse. High-altitude research planes will capture images of the eclipse from 50,000 feet above Earth’s surface, revealing previously unseen details in the sun’s corona. These images may also aid in the search for asteroids near the sun. Amateur radio operators will conduct an experiment to observe how radio waves travel during an eclipse, providing valuable insights into the sun’s influence on Earth’s upper atmosphere. Scientists and citizen scientists will use the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope to observe the sun’s active regions as the moon passes over them during both eclipses.
The 2024 solar eclipse presents a remarkable opportunity for both astronomers and enthusiasts to witness a celestial event of unparalleled beauty. As you prepare to observe this awe-inspiring spectacle, remember to prioritize safety and follow the recommended guidelines for viewing the eclipse. Whether you are within the path of totality or experiencing a partial eclipse, take a moment to appreciate the wonders of our universe and the knowledge we can gain from studying these extraordinary events.
