What time is the solar eclipse 2024

08/04/2024 Article
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Anticipating the 2024 Solar Eclipse: Timings and Viewing Guide

The Path of the 2024 Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, sky-gazers across North America will have the opportunity to witness a dramatic celestial event: a total solar eclipse. This will be the first such event to graze the continent since the Great American Eclipse in 2017. The 2024 eclipse will carve a path across Mexico, the United States, and into Canada, promising a stunning spectacle for those situated along its route.

The eclipse’s path of totality – the narrow strip where the moon will completely cover the sun – will pass through 15 states. It will commence in Texas, sweeping northeast through parts of the Midwest, and ultimately exiting through Maine into Canada. Notable cities within this path include Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo, offering millions a chance to experience the full glory of totality.

Outside the path of totality, a partial solar eclipse will be visible, where the moon covers only a portion of the sun. This will be observable to a much wider audience across North America, with varying degrees of coverage depending on location.

When to Watch the 2024 Solar Eclipse

The timing of the total solar eclipse will depend on where you are located along the path of totality. The celestial show will begin in the southwestern United States around mid-morning and conclude in the northeastern regions in the early afternoon. For example, in Texas, the totality is expected to start just after 1:27 p.m. local time, while in Illinois, the eclipse is predicted to reach totality at approximately 2:06 p.m. local time.

It’s essential to check local resources for the precise timing in your area, as the exact moment of totality can vary by minutes even within the same city. The duration of the total eclipse will also differ from place to place, usually lasting around two to four minutes. With the moon’s shadow moving at supersonic speeds, timing is everything for those eager to bask in the full darkness of totality.

The eclipse will progress through various stages, beginning with the partial phase, where the moon starts encroaching on the sun’s disk. The totality phase occurs when the moon completely obscures the sun, followed by a return to a partial phase as the moon moves away. Observers are advised to prepare in advance to ensure they don’t miss this brief but breathtaking event.

How to Safely View the Solar Eclipse

As with any solar eclipse, safety is paramount when it comes to observation. Looking directly at the sun without proper protection can lead to serious eye damage. Therefore, it’s crucial to use solar viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. These glasses are specially designed to protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation.

For those who plan to photograph the eclipse or view it through a telescope, camera, or binoculars, additional solar filters are required. These must be attached to the front of any viewing device to prevent concentrated solar rays from damaging both your eyes and the equipment. Remember that regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not a safe alternative for looking at the sun.

During the brief period of totality, it is safe to look at the sun without protection, as the moon completely blocks its harmful rays. However, as soon as the sun begins to reappear, viewers must immediately use their eclipse glasses again. It’s also a good idea to watch the weather forecast and plan for clear skies, as clouds can obscure the view.

With the 2024 solar eclipse promising to be a major event, preparations are already underway in many communities along the path of totality. Special events, educational programs, and viewing parties are being organized to celebrate this rare astronomical occurrence. Enthusiasts and novices alike are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a safe and memorable experience.

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