On April 8, 2024, a remarkable celestial event will unfold over North America—a total solar eclipse that promises to captivate observers across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This significant event will see the moon casting its shadow over the Earth, turning day into night for those situated along its narrow path.
The journey of the eclipse will commence over the South Pacific Ocean, with the shadow of the moon first touching continental North America on Mexico’s Pacific coast around 11:07 a.m. PDT. From there, the eclipse’s path of totality, where the sun is completely obscured by the moon, will stretch across a swath of the United States from Texas all the way to Maine. The spectacle is not limited to these states alone; a partial eclipse, where the sun is partially covered by the moon, will be visible across all 48 contiguous U.S. states, offering a wide audience a taste of this astronomical phenomenon.
As the eclipse makes its way across the continent, it will traverse through several U.S. states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, with portions of Tennessee and Michigan also experiencing the full might of the eclipse. The celestial event will then continue its journey into Canada, passing through Southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton, before making its final exit over Newfoundland’s Atlantic coast at 5:16 p.m. NDT.
NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio has meticulously crafted a map utilizing data from various NASA sources to illustrate the eclipse’s path. This detailed map delineates the total eclipse path as a dark band, surrounded by purple lines that indicate the extent of the partial eclipse. It’s a valuable tool for enthusiasts and observers planning to witness this rare occurrence, providing a clear visual guide to what can be expected and where. For those in the United States, the times of totality vary by location, offering a window into the eclipse’s progression across the country. Cities such as Dallas, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Cleveland, Ohio, will experience the eclipse during the early to mid-afternoon, with the duration of totality lasting for a brief yet awe-inspiring moment.
To explore this map and gain further insight into the 2024 solar eclipse, including specific times for various locations, NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio offers downloadable versions and additional resources. This upcoming total solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity for millions across North America to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays, underscoring the ever-fascinating dynamics of our solar system.
About Author
