The total solar eclipse of 2024 promises to be a spectacular event for millions of Americans, with the moon completely blocking the sun’s light.
Numerous states are expected to have a good view of this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
This rare event will be visible across up to 15 states as it traces a diagonal path from East to West across the country, beginning in Texas after passing through Mexico and concluding in Maine before moving into Canada.
NASA estimates that at least 31.6 million people live within the “path of totality,” where the sun will be entirely obscured by the moon.
While solar eclipses occur roughly every year and a half, it’s highly unusual for so many Americans to have the opportunity to witness this celestial event from their homes, as they often happen in remote locations.
Although not everyone in the US will witness the moon passing directly in front of the sun from their specific location, a partial eclipse—where the moon covers between 20% and 90% of the sun’s surface—will be visible in almost every state.
For those in the US, the total eclipse will first be visible at the border with Mexico around midday CDT, appearing in San Antonio, TX, at 1:33 pm CDT, followed by Austin, TX, at 1:36 pm CDT, and Dallas, TX, at 1:40 pm CDT, according to reports from the Mirror US.
In Little Rock, AR, the total eclipse will occur at 1:51 pm CDT, in Poplar Bluff, MO, at 1:56 pm CDT, in Paducah, KY, at 2:00 pm CDT, and in Carbondale, IL, at 1:59 pm CDT.
For those in Indianapolis, IN, the total eclipse will take place at 3:06 pm EDT, and in Cleveland, OH, at 3:13 pm EDT. Moving further north, in Buffalo, NY, it will be visible at 3:18 pm EDT, in Burlington, VT, at 3:26 pm EDT, and in Lancaster, NH, at 3:27 pm EDT. The last viewers in the US to witness the total eclipse will be in Presque Isle, Maine, at 3:32 pm EDT.
Health authorities advise those wishing to witness this unique celestial event not to look directly at the sun as the moon gradually passes in front of it, unless they are wearing special “eclipse glasses” that provide full eye protection and are several thousand times dimmer than regular sunglasses.
This precaution ensures that everyone can enjoy the event without risking damage to their vision.
