On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of the United States. The eclipse will be visible in the United States along a specific path that will start near San Antonio, Texas and run diagonally up through northern Maine. The total eclipse will also be visible in parts of Mexico and Canada.  A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely covers the sun. It occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. After the 2024 total solar eclipse, NASA says the next time a total solar eclipse will be visible from the contiguous United States will be August 23, 2044.

Animation Showing Path of Totality on April 8, 2024

Animation: Associated Press

Animation of Total Solar Eclipse

Animation Provided by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab/Animator: Walt Feimer (HTSI), Producer: Genna Duberstein (USRA)

Eye Safety on Day of Eclipse

Photo: Associated Press/Elaine Thompson/THAEO

When looking up to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, it will be critical to have proper eye protection. According to NASA, with the exception of the very brief moment of totality, looking directly at the sun is not safe, including in the moments just before and after totality. The American Astronomical Society has compiled a list of vendors who meet their standards for selling eclipse eyewear.

NASA’s Map of Totality for April 8 Solar Eclipse

Image provided by NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio. Visualizers: Michala Garrison (SSAI), Ernie Wright (USRA) Technical support:
Laurence Schuler (ADNET Systems, Inc.), Ian Jones (ADNET Systems, Inc.)

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