As the celestial stage prepares for a grand spectacle, astronomers and sky enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This cosmic dance between the Sun, Moon, and Earth promises a breathtaking display that will captivate viewers across North America. Let's dive into the details of this celestial event and explore some prime locations to witness the awe-inspiring totality.
Understanding the Eclipse:
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth and turning day into night for a brief and magical moment. This celestial alignment is a rare occurrence, making each total solar eclipse a highly anticipated event for astronomers and sky gazers alike.
How rare an event is it? There are roughly 2 total eclipses every three years, somewhere on Earth. What are the chances of one passing by your locale? Well, there has been a fair amount of scientific study of this and it seems that the average location on the planet will see a total eclipse about once every 500+ years. Take into account that the path needs to travel over a land mass for viewers to see it, then it makes this upcoming eclipse very much a once in a lifetime event for many.
Last Total Solar Eclipse in America:
The last total solar eclipse that traversed the United States took place on August 21, 2017. This event, often referred to as the "Great American Eclipse," spanned from the West Coast to the East Coast, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of those who witnessed it.
Imagine those lucky folks living around Carbondale, Illinois who just so happen to be at the point where the 2017 and 2024 totality paths intersect. 2 total eclipses in 7 years is quite remarkable luck as noted above.
Next Total Solar Eclipse after April 2024:
This will be the last chance to see a total eclipse in North America for the next 20 years! Looking beyond 2024, the next total solar eclipse visible from North America is forecasted for August 23, 2044. The eclipse that year will be visible to Americans who only reside in parts of North Dakota, Montana, and it will then follow a path northward through Alberta and the Northwest Territories in Canada before disappearing over the Arctic. Time to start planning ahead to book that trip to Alberta's iconic Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies as you'll be right in the path of totality in the middle of a gorgeous mountain setting. The next eclipse that will sweep across a significant portion of the United States will be the following year on August 12, 2045.
Path of Totality and Major City Centers:
Shown in the map segment above, the 2024 total solar eclipse will trace a path of totality from the southwest to the northeast across the United States and into Eastern Canada. Some city centers that will be immersed in the Moon's shadow include Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, and Montreal. Each location promises a unique experience with varying durations of totality. Do you live in the path of totality? Check out the National Eclipse Website to see if you do. There you can also learn at what time and for how long you will be able to experience totality.
Tips for Viewing and Safety:
Use Proper Eye Protection: Protect your eyes with certified solar viewing glasses. Regular sunglasses are insufficient for safely observing the Sun. These should be used at all times that the sun is not in totality. Only during the total eclipse phase can you remove them. Make sure that the glasses are marked with the  ISO 12312-2:2015(E) Standards so that you know they are going to do the job. We've listed some inexpensive yet reputable ones below from Celestron.
Plan Ahead:Â Research and plan your viewing location well in advance. Consider factors like weather conditions, accessibility, and facilities.
Weather Predictions:Â Stay informed about weather forecasts for your chosen viewing location. Clear skies are crucial for an optimal eclipse experience.
Bring Essentials:Â Pack water, coffee, snacks, comfortable seating, blankets, and any necessary equipment such as binoculars or a telescope. Don't forget entertainment for the kids as they will get bored waiting for the heavenly events to unfold.
Join Events:Â Explore organized eclipse events or gatherings. Not only can they enhance your experience, but they also offer the chance to share the excitement with fellow eclipse enthusiasts.
Top 5 Recommendations for Clear-Sky Viewing:
We know when and where exactly the eclipse will happen, which is great. But, much like the Northern Lights for which we can use an app to know for certain they are dancing overhead, we are entirely at the mercy of the weather if we can see it at all. April in North America is a mixed bag for sure with the majority of the path of totality being given about a 50/50 shot at being clear enough to see it. Buffalo for example would probably not be a very good option given its location at the end of the lake and its propensity to get lake effect weather quite often.
In general, the further north you move, the more likely it is that you will encounter cloud cover. Therefore 4 of our top 5 locations are in the south but even then, that is just based on probabilities. Reality could very much be the opposite with Texas experiencing a rash of severe storms that block out the sky with heavy cloud cover, while Ohio and Pennsylvania are under a cold high pressure ridge from Canada that makes for brilliant blue skies and perfect eclipse viewing. You get the point. It's going to come down to a bit of luck needed regardless of how well you play the odds.
You can check the April 8th historical data for a given location here if you are curious.
Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27:32 PM CDT : The is the southwest most point of the eclipse in the USA where it enters Texas from Mexico. It is a small border town and accommdations might be hard to find but it is very likely to be sunny and clear. Totality duration is almost 4.5 minutes.
Dallas, Texas, 1:40:43 PM CDT: A major metropolis this city is going to be easy to get to by plane and there will be an abundance of accommodations, albeit likely very pricey ones for the eclipse dates. Good chance of clear skies too and you'll have a duration of just under 4 minutes.
Texarkana, Texas, 1:46:56 PM CDT: A medium sized city between Texas and Arkansas that should also be easier to get to and should have ample places to stay. You'll also be in an hour or two drive of several other good places to view the eclipse so if you are trying to dodge weather you might have a good shot here. Duration in Texarcana is a bit lower at 2.5 minutes.
Heber Springs, Arkansas, 1:52:14 PM CDT: Just a ways north of Little Rock is this small lakeside town featuring several recreational areas that might be well suited for viewing. Accommodations may be a bit limited and expensive but the setting would be lovely. Duration: 4 minutes
Erie, Pennsylvania 3:16:24 PM EDT: Wait, what? I know what you are thinking, 'You told us earlier that further north was more likely cloudy'. Well, hear me out. Lake Erie is still very cold in April and this cold water mass can actually act as a cloud buster over the area. While there may be overcast a few miles in, often over the lake it is clear. With a long stretch of the shoreline in the path and fairly easy access via Cleveland or Pittsburgh it might be worth considering especially if you don't want to take a longer flight from somewhere in the northeast. Duration in Erie is 3:40 although you may be able to squeak out a few more minutes if you get out onto the peninsula of Presque Isle state park which would be a fantastic viewing point over the lake. Good luck finding parking though...
Summary
As we approach the celestial rendezvous of the 2024 total solar eclipse, embrace the opportunity to witness the cosmos in motion. Plan ahead, prioritize safety, and select your viewing spot wisely to ensure an unforgettable experience beneath the shadow of the Moon.
Wishing you the best of luck in your eclipse hunting. May the skies be in your favor, and the hotel be available.
Happy Travels!
Il Digestivo
Here are a couple of items that you might want to take along to make your eclipse viewing a little more comfortable. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Â
Celestron EclipSMART Solar Shades Paper Solar Viewing Glasses (4-Pack)
During the 2-4 minutes that you are going to be in totality, assuming you are going to be somewhere that is in the path, you will be able to look directly at the sun with the naked eye, or even binoculars. However, all other times during the eclipse you will need to have eye protection. Something like the EclipSmart Safe Solar Eclipse Glasses meets ISO 12312-2:2015(E) Standards – Premium Solar Safe Filter Technology. 4 pairs of One Size Fits All Glasses + Eclipse Guidebook is a perfect companion for the upcoming event. Don't get a cheap knock-off, make sure the glasses have the ISO indication. Get them soon as supplies are sure to go pretty fast as the day approaches.
Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair
You can't enjoy the great outdoors without a good chair! Kelty is a Made in the USA style of Folding Outdoor Camp Chair, with Insulated Cupholders, a Customized Recline, and Padded Roll Storage bag. The multiple recline positions will make it easier to lay back and watch the skyward events unfold. Weighing about 10 pounds, the steel framed construction with puppy-proof fabric has a weight capacity of 325 lbs.
THERMOS Vacuum Insulated 16 Ounce Compact Stainless Steel Beverage Bottle
Another necessity for an outdoor adventure. Keep your beverage nice and hot (or cold if you are in a warmer climate) for hours with the Thermos Insulated bottle. Unlike some of the more "influencer propelled" brand names out there the Thermos brand states that their product does not pose any risk of lead poisoning to the consumer. Good to know!
