If things go the way astronomers say they will, some 32 million North American locals will witness the sun go black on April 8, 2024, with millions more flocking to see the extraordinary astronomical event. It’s been billed as becoming the most watched solar eclipse in history.
A total solar eclipse is where the new moon passes directly in front of the sun, totally blocking out sunlight, and casting the moon’s shadow upon the surface of the Earth.
The last total solar eclipse to fall on American soil was the Great American Eclipse in 2017. Some 12 million locals, plus the millions who came for the spectacle, saw the sun go dark.
Next month’s eclipse is set to be even more spectacular. It will last longer and slice across highly populated parts of North America. Starting from Mexico’s South Pacific coast, the path of totality will traverse over 10 American states, cross parts of eastern Canada, and reach the Maritime Atlantic.
Position is key in eclipse watching. The moments of totality swipe along a relatively narrow ribbon about 100 miles wide over the Earth’s surface. Only viewers situated in this narrow band where the moon’s shadow falls will be able to witness a 100 percent total solar eclipse.
In a much wider area beyond, spanning 49 states, sky gazers can still catch a partial solar eclipse. However, according to Mr. Berman, the difference between total and partial in solar eclipses is like night and day. Nothing compares to the moment of totality, he says. The experience is “life-changing.”
The total eclipse experience goes something like this:
The 70 to 80 minutes of partial eclipse leading to the moments of totality will go quickly, so be prepared. The sun becomes a crescent partially covered by the moon. When looking, take care to protect your eyes using the correct equipment (enumerated below).
As the moon envelops the sun, beads of light encircling the moon’s black disk may appear. These are known as Bailey’s Beads and are, in fact, the sun’s rays breaking through canyons and valleys of the Moon’s horizon.
Seconds before the moment of totality, one great final spark of sunlight will form on one end, appearing as a giant diamond ring encircling the moon before all sunlight is obliterated.
As the moment of totality falls, the sky goes dark, looking almost as night—or at least twilight. The duration of totality is expected to last 4 minutes, 28 seconds—more than twice that of the Great American Eclipse’s 2 minutes, 4 seconds.
Looking up, a halo of light will shine around the moon. This is the sun’s corona, its brilliant outer atmosphere, normally invisible due to the sun’s glare. Pink nuclear geysers may be seen as trails of fire traveling along gargantuan magnetic loops.
Local air temperatures will drop as the moon’s shadow covers over vast swaths of the landscape. Planets and stars in the sky overhead may become visible in this otherworldly setting.
To gaze around at the surrounding landscape during the moment of totality, it may appear as if illuminated by some strange star, as if on another planet. Colors seem more saturated with stronger contrast. Animals may grow silent in this surreal moment.
Only in the middle of totality, and for no more than two minutes of the four, Mr. Bergen says, is it okay to observe the solar eclipse through regular binoculars. Solar eclipse glasses show only black at this point.
Where Will the Path of Totality Fall?
Hopeful solar eclipse spotters will want to watch from within the path of totality. That will reach the Pacific shores of Mexico at 2:07 p.m. EST and cross several American states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and, lastly, Maine; it will then traverse parts of Canada, including southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, and finally reach the Atlantic shores of Newfoundland at 3:46 p.m. EST.
In addition to the 32 million inhabiting the path of totality, millions more traveling from surrounding areas are expected to flock to see the eclipse on April 8. The event “should be the most watched total solar eclipse in history,” according to Mr. Berman.
Simple sunglasses won’t replace essential special eclipse-gazing eye protection, which is thousands of times darker. Never view the sun or partial eclipses using optical devices such as telescopes or binoculars. Failing to use the proper equipment or using lenses that are scratched or damaged could result in severe eye injury.
As an alternative to solar eclipse glasses, Mr. Berman recommends welders’ filter shades 12, 13, and 14, but no lower. Studies published in the Astronomical Journal have deemed these safe.
The bottom line? On Monday, April 8, between 2:07 and 3:46 p.m. EST, a total solar eclipse of historic proportions will bisect the continent of North America. Should you have the opportunity to see next month’s event but are considering catching the next one instead, there won’t be another total solar eclipse over America until August 12, 2045. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime—and possibly life-changing—moment.
