On April 8th, 2024, sky gazers around the world will be treated to a spectacular celestial event: a total solar eclipse. This awe-inspiring phenomenon occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface and briefly obscuring the sun from view.
The path of totality, where the sun is completely obscured by the moon, will stretch across parts of North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Major cities such as Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo will be fortunate enough to witness this rare spectacle.
For those within the path of totality, the experience promises to be nothing short of magical. As the moon gradually covers the sun, daylight will dim, temperatures may drop, and the sky will take on an eerie twilight hue. Then, for a fleeting moment, the sun’s corona—a halo of plasma that surrounds the sun—will become visible, creating a breathtaking sight that is both mesmerizing and humbling.
However, even those outside the path of totality will still be able to witness a partial solar eclipse, where only a portion of the sun is obscured by the moon. With the proper eye protection, observers can safely view this celestial event and marvel at the beauty of the solar system in motion.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, total solar eclipses also hold scientific significance. They provide researchers with valuable opportunities to study the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, which is typically obscured by the sun’s intense glare. By observing the corona during a total solar eclipse, scientists can gather data that helps to further our understanding of solar physics and space weather.
As the date of April 8th, 2024 approaches, anticipation is building among astronomers, photographers, and enthusiasts alike. Whether you plan to witness the eclipse firsthand or watch it online, this celestial spectacle is sure to inspire wonder and awe as we marvel at the beauty and complexity of the universe.
Total Solar Eclipse will first take place in North America, when the Moon covers 100% of the Sun’s disk.
In Mexico, the totality will begin at 11:07am MST and last for 4 minutes 20 seconds, according to Space.
Then, the Total Solar Eclipse will cross two more Mexican cities, Durango and Coahuila.
Before moving across 15 US States before heading into Canada, the path of totality will enter the US in Texas.
This is shaping up to be one of the most watched solar eclipses ever, with over 32 million people living within the path of totality across the US alone.
Following are the locations, times and durations of the Total Solar Eclipse.
- Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico 11:07am MST 4 minutes 20 seconds
- Durango, Durango, Mexico 12:12pm CST 3 minutes 50 seconds
- Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico 12:16pm CST 4 minutes 11 seconds
- Texas, US 1:27pm CDT 4 minutes 24 seconds
- Kerrville, Texas, US 1:32pm CDT 4 minutes 25 seconds
- Fredericksburg, Texas, US 1:32pm CDT 4 minutes 25 seconds
- Dallas, Texas, US 1:40pm CDT 3 minutes 52 seconds
- Idabel, Oklahoma US 1:45pm CDT 4 minutes 19 seconds
- Russellville, Arkansas, U S 1:49pm CDT 4 minutes 12 seconds
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada 3:26pm EDT 1 minute 57 seconds
- Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada 4:34pm ADT 3 minutes 8 seconds
- Tignish, Prince Edward Island, Canada 4:35pm ADT 3 minutes 12 seconds
- Catalina, Newfoundland, Canada 5:13pm NDT 2 minutes 53 seconds
