Get Ready for the Eclipse: How Close Will You Be to Totality?

Get Ready for the Eclipse: How Close Will You Be to Totality?

When and Where Will the Eclipse Occur? The next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, and will be visible in a narrow path across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The path of totality, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, will begin in Mexico and move across the United States from Texas to Maine. Observers within this path will experience a total eclipse, while those outside the path will see a partial eclipse. How to Find Out How Close You Are to the Path of Totality To determine how close you are to the path of totality, you can use an interactive map provided by NASA or Time and Date. Simply enter your location or zip code into the map, and it will show you the path of the eclipse and the percentage of the Sun that will be covered in your area. What to Expect During the Eclipse During a total solar eclipse, the sky will darken and the temperature will drop. The Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere, will become visible around the edge of the Moon. Animals may become confused and go to sleep, and birds may stop singing. The total eclipse will last for a few minutes, depending on your location. | City | Time of Totality | Duration of Totality | |---|---|---| | Dallas, TX | 1:17 PM CST | 3 minutes 50 seconds | | St. Louis, MO | 1:37 PM CST | 2 minutes 18 seconds | | Nashville, TN | 1:58 PM CST | 1 minute 53 seconds | | Cleveland, OH | 2:10 PM EST | 3 minutes 50 seconds | | Pittsburgh, PA | 2:25 PM EST | 4 minutes 3 seconds | How to Prepare for the Eclipse If you are planning to view the eclipse, it is important to take precautions to protect your eyes. Never look directly at the Sun, even during a total eclipse. Use eclipse glasses or a solar filter to view the eclipse safely. You should also bring a blanket or chair to sit on, and plenty of water and snacks. The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is a rare and awe-inspiring event. By planning ahead and taking precautions, you can enjoy this celestial spectacle safely and create memories that will last a lifetime.
``` ```