Get Ready for the Total Solar Eclipse in Texas in 2024!
Mark your calendars because on Monday, April 8, 2024, a spectacular total solar eclipse will be visible in Texas. While you may not have plans to travel to the path of totality, you can still take part in this awe-inspiring event right from the comfort of your own home. ABC13 will be bringing you live coverage of the entire eclipse, so you won’t miss a single moment of this celestial phenomenon.
The peak spectacle of the total solar eclipse will last for an impressive 4 minutes and 28 seconds within the path of total darkness. This path, which stretches 115 miles wide, will slice across the continent, giving lucky viewers an extraordinary experience. Even if you are not within the path of totality, you can still witness a partial eclipse in Houston, Texas. The eclipse will begin at 12:20 p.m., reach its maximum at 1:40 p.m., and end at 3:01 p.m. Make sure to mark these times in your calendar so you can catch every phase of this remarkable event.
So, what exactly is a total solar eclipse? During this celestial event, the moon will align perfectly between the Earth and the sun, resulting in the sun’s light being completely blocked out. This upcoming eclipse will last longer than usual because the moon will be at one of its closest approaches to Earth, just 223,000 miles away. The closer the moon is to Earth, the larger it appears in the sky, creating a more intense period of darkness. In fact, totality will last an impressive 4 minutes and 28 seconds over Mexico, making it quite a sight to behold.
The path of the eclipse will slice diagonally across North America, starting from Mazatlan, Mexico, and exiting at Newfoundland in Canada. Along its journey, it will pass through 15 U.S. states, including Texas. Communities lucky enough to be within the path of totality will experience a brief period of darkness as the moon’s shadow covers the land. For those who missed the 2017 total solar eclipse, this is another chance to witness this extraordinary event.
If you’re worried about missing out on future total solar eclipses, don’t fret. According to ABC13 Chief Meteorologist Travis Herzog, there will be many more eclipses around the world between now and 2044. However, the next total solar eclipse in the United States won’t occur until August 2044. The path of totality for that eclipse will only be visible in Montana and North Dakota, making it a must-see event for those living in those areas. Just one year later, in August 2045, another total solar eclipse will crisscross the United States from California to Florida, providing a breathtaking experience for millions of Americans.
For Texans, the next opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse won’t come until 2078. This time, the path of totality will only cross over South Texas. So, if you miss the 2024 eclipse or want to experience another one in your lifetime, make sure to mark your calendars for that date.
The 2024 total solar eclipse is a rare and extraordinary event that will capture the attention of millions across the United States. Whether you choose to witness it in person or through the live coverage on ABC13, this celestial phenomenon is not to be missed. So, get ready to be amazed as the moon blocks out the sun and plunges parts of Texas into temporary darkness. Don’t forget to mark April 8, 2024, in your calendar and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
