The eclipse on April 8, 2024 will, in some ways, be better than the one in 2017. "It is long, with more than four minutes of totality. Because of the duration, it will be much darker than in 2017 during totality" says Bob Baer, a specialist in the School of Physics and Applied Physics at Southern Illinois University and co-chair of the 2017-2024 Southern Illinois Eclipse Steering Committee. "The sun is very active now and will probably produce a larger corona than we saw in 2017, when we were in a period of low solar activity."
As the moon blocks light from the sun, it casts a shadow, creating a trail as the Earth rotates. This shadow trail is called the path of totality. In the hours before and after the total eclipse, you can see a partial eclipse, in which the moon partially obscures the sun. To see a partial eclipse it is necessary to wear protective glasses. In places outside the narrow path of totality, only a partial eclipse will be seen.
On April 8, the total solar eclipse will occur in a swath of North America that includes parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada. The path of totality, which looks like a narrow arc on a map of North America, will enter Mexico along the Pacific coast near Mazatlán, "where the eclipse will begin at 10:51:22 [local time, 6:51 p.m. Spanish peninsula]. The total phase of the eclipse will begin at 12:07:24 and will end at 12:11:43, just when the Sun will be at the zenith, that is, at the highest point in the sky," according to the Autonomous University of Mexico.
On its way northeast towards the border with the United States, the eclipse will pass over Durango, Torreón and Monclova. The eclipse will reach US lands in Texas at 1:27 p.m. Central Daylight Time and will pass through parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The eclipse then reaches Canada through southern Ontario and continues through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The eclipse leaves continental North America along the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada at 5:16 p.m. Newfoundland daylight time.
Where to see the eclipse
"Make sure you choose a location directly in the path of totality," says Ryan French, a solar physicist at the National Science Foundation's National Solar Observatory and author of The Sun: A Beginner's Guide to Our Home Star. "In general, the closer you are to the center of that trajectory, the longer you will experience totality."
Check the time
"The second thing to consider is timing," French says. "Pick a location along the track that is likely to be cloud-free in early April." Most scientists agree that Mexico and Texas are the places most likely to have the best weather. "The worst weather statistics along the path of totality are in Quebec, with less than a 15% chance of clear skies that day," says French.
A "partly cloudy sky is not a bad perspective for viewing the eclipse, but cloudy is not good at all," says Baer. "Clouds can add an interesting element during an eclipse, as long as you can still see the sun, which is achieved through thin clouds or between thicker clouds." At the eclipse event they are hosting in Carbondale, Illinois (which is on the path for the second time after also experiencing the 2017 eclipse), they will be showing live TV feeds from other destinations in case of bad weather in Carbondale.
Big city or small town?
The decision to view the eclipse in a big city versus a small town or rural area depends on your preferences. Although large cities have better infrastructure, more accommodation and are more accessible by car or plane, they will also have greater influx of public.
The best destination can depend on many factors. "Will there be a picturesque view? Will there be trees that project the shape of the crescent sun onto the ground? Will there be animals that react to the eclipse? Any combination of these things will enhance your unforgettable experience," says French.
"I encourage people to go to educational places to view eclipses, such as a college campus, science center, museum, or planetarium, and I especially recommend it to families," Baer says. "For those who like nature and want a more private experience, seeing it in a natural area is also great. In short, go ahead and enjoy it however you want."
Plan it in advance. Or not.
Once you have chosen your destination, book transportation, accommodation, and any festivals or events you want to attend as far in advance as possible. But if you are flexible and like to live a little on the Instead, says eclipse guide Paul D. Maley, "check the long-term weather about five days ahead and see where it's expected to be clear on April 8. If you can, get there by any means possible, but in "A car would be the most advantageous. That way, you will maximize your mobility, especially if the forecast changes at the last minute."
In any case, order your ISO-approved eclipse glasses in advance. Additionally, plan to arrive at your chosen destination at least one or more days before April 8, and expect traffic delays.
Safety and attention during the entire
To avoid eye damage during the partial phase of the eclipse, you should wear eclipse glasses before and after totality. "When you see the edge of the moon encroach on the last crescent of the sun, be prepared," advises French; "as soon as the sun disappears from your sunglasses, take them off and enjoy the view."
Maley recommends using binoculars during totality "to view the sun, which offers a closer view of the small reddish jets of hydrogen suspended at the edge of the solar disk." He also advises: "Don't spend 100% of your time trying to photograph the eclipse. Always let your eyes and brain take in as much magic as possible."
Making the most of the experience in the United States
More hotel beds: Texas
Texas has three of the largest cities in the path of totality: San Antonio (although only half are in the path), Dallas, and Austin. The enormous size of these cities means they are prepared for the influx of eclipse visitors, including having plenty of hotel rooms.
San Antonio has more than 50,000 hotel rooms and has named its celebrations the Fiesta del Sol. The city has many unique places to view the eclipse, from a brewery to an amusement park and caves. La Cantera Resort & Spa is a 222-hectare oasis located at one of the highest points in San Antonio. The resort has partnered with the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Texas at San Antonio to offer guests an educational experience.
Austin has more than 49,000 hotel rooms, including Hotel Viata, which offers an eclipse-themed spa package, guided meditation activities and sound baths, as well as an astronomer-led dinner on April 7.
Dallas has more than 35,000 hotel rooms, including the Marriott Dallas Downtown, which will host an exclusive rooftop party. Once you've decided where to stay, visit places like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the rooftop of Gilley's music venue, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
Many small Texas towns are also in the path of totality, and Texas' generally sunny weather makes it an attractive option. French himself will view the eclipse from the town of Eagles Pass.
Best place to get married during the eclipse: Russellville, Arkansas
This moderately sized Arkansas city of 30,000 people (expected to exceed 90,000 during the eclipse) will experience more than four minutes of totality. It is one of the official NASA locations from which the organization will broadcast on April 8.
Downtown Russellville will host Moon Over Main, a free live music and arts festival; hot air balloon rides; and a chance for the lovebirds to make their love official with a wedding ceremony under the eclipse during totality.
Best place to camp: Booneville and Paris, Arkansas
The eclipse will make its way over the Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas, which offers several camping sites. The small town of Booneville and its surrounding areas offer numerous camping opportunities. The center of town is the scene of a festival on April 8 with live music.
In the Arkansas River Valley, the small town of Paris, at the base of Mount Magazine State Park (the highest point in the state), has several RV and tent campgrounds.
The best city to approach NASA experts: Indianapolis, Indiana
NASA will broadcast from the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway (home of the Indy 500), taking over the iconic location for a day-long celebration featuring live broadcasts, NASA astronauts and STEM activities. You can camp on the premises. The city, which asks all homes and businesses to turn off their lights during the eclipse to avoid light pollution, is also home to the world's largest children's museum, which will host an Eclipse Extravaganza. Newfields, the campus of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, will host Total Eclipse of the Art.
Best Family Destination: Ohio
Ohio has two large cities along the way, each ideal for families: Wapakoneta and Cleveland. Wapakoneta (pop. 9,957) is the hometown of Neil Armstrong. During eclipse weekend, families can tour the Lunar Menu Trail at local restaurants and visit the Armstrong Air and Space Museum. There will also be a four-day festival at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds; guided bus tours of Wapakoneta As Neil Armstrong Knew It; and space-themed art exhibits and eclipse photography at the Riverside Arts Center.
Cleveland will host the three-day Total Eclipse Fest 2024 downtown on the lakefront, along with NASA's Glenn Visitor Center and the Great Lakes Science Center. There will be hands-on science activities, a free concert by the Cleveland Orchestra, food booths and NASA experts. NASA TV, NASA's live streaming service, will do a live broadcast.
Most scenic: Niagara Falls, New York
Imagine watching the eclipse with one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world thundering in the background. Niagara Falls State Park has several viewpoints ideal for viewing the natural phenomenon, and interpretation staff will offer educational programs to mark the event.
Best Museums: Rochester, New York
The city of Rochester, in upstate New York, is an ideal medium-sized, easily accessible city, with some world-class museums to complete your eclipse visit. A four-day festival has been scheduled, in addition to many other events. The Rochester Museum & Science Center will host a three-day Roc the Eclipse Festival, packed with hands-on activities, speakers, music, food and more.
If you have children, be sure to visit the Strong National Museum of Play, which will celebrate the eclipse for three days around playing with light. Genesee Country Village & Museum, the third-largest living history museum in the U.S., will offer special programs and opportunities to view the eclipse, such as on the museum's Great Meadow or the Old Baseball Field.
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