If you haven’t heard (maybe you live on the moon?), a solar eclipse will occur this April, with the path of totality spanning the United States from Texas to Maine. This is a big one, and the last chance to see a total eclipse until 2044. Celestial aficionados have begun booking hotels and Airbnbs in prime viewing locations, but there’s still time to make preparations to witness this uncommon solar spectacle. Here are the best states to witness the 2024 solar eclipse.
When is the solar eclipse?
The 2024 solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024.
Which US states will have the best views of the solar eclipse?
The lucky states with the best views of the 2024 solar eclipse are Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. These states are on the path of totality. If you’re there, you’ll be able to witness a total eclipse as the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely concealing it. Other states will get a partial eclipse.
If the weather cooperates, Texas, particularly Hill Country, is the finest state to observe the total eclipse. In certain places of Texas, totality will last up to four and a half minutes. Texas is known for its dry, sunny weather, so let’s hope we have that during the eclipse.
Other states will experience shorter periods of totality, but totality nonetheless. It is up to your preference whether to see the eclipse in a city or in a rural region. You can also witness the eclipse surrounded by nature at national and state parks along the path of totality.
What time will the eclipse occur?
The eclipse time varies according to your location. Totality will commence at about 12:30 pm in Texas and 3:30 pm in Maine (all hours are local). NASA provides various useful maps and charts that detail the particular times of totality.
What is the way to totality?
The path of totality is the area of the world visible when the moon totally covers the sun. The skies in these areas will darken for three and a half to four minutes. Total eclipse will occur in parts of the United States ranging from Texas and Maine.
What is unique about solar eclipses?
Total solar eclipses are an uncommon occurrence. The last one we witnessed in the United States was in 2017. The 2024 total solar eclipse will stay longer, cover a larger path of totality, and be visible in more major cities than the last one.
Excitement is mounting, so make your arrangements now to witness this unique cosmic occurrence.