It’s shadow time again baby! Soon, people living in North America will experience the first solar eclipse in nearly a decade.
Although the last solar eclipse in North America occurred in 2017, the next one is not expected to occur until August 2044, so seizing the moment is crucial. A solar eclipse is more than just a strange shadow, it’s a wonderful opportunity to hang out outdoors with loved ones and contemplate the insignificance of humanity compared to the vastness of the universe.
Even if you don’t live in the path of a total solar eclipse, or you’re not one of the millions of people who travel to see the momentous event, there are ways you can join in and watch the total solar eclipse online.
What is a total solar eclipse?
“This is the arrangement of the sun, moon and earth, The moon passes directly between the sun and the earthblocking the sun’s rays from reaching the Earth’s surface,” said Noah Petro, NASA Artemis III project scientist. If you’re in the path of totality, you’ll see the moon completely obscured Sun. Off the main roads? You may still see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon obscures part of the sun.
Despite the involvement of the moon, solar eclipses should not be confused with lunar eclipses. During this time, the moon moves into Earth’s shadow and turns a deep red color. The lunar eclipse was visible from most of the entire hemisphere facing the moon at that time.
When does a solar eclipse occur?
A total solar eclipse will pass through parts of North America Monday, April 8. Depending on where you are along the path of totality, the eclipse will occur in the afternoon and may last about four minutes. For more details, check out NASA’s map detailing the exact times different cities in the United States will experience a total solar eclipse.
How about a partial solar eclipse? For example, even though I’m in San Francisco, far away from the path of totality, I should still see a small portion of the sun covered between 10 a.m. and noon. Check out this handy link to see when it happens, no matter where you are.
Where will it be visible?
Although total solar eclipses mainly occur in Mexico and the United States, a small portion of eastern Canada also follows the path of totality. To see what it looks like in different locations, check out this great website that simulates a solar eclipse, created by a retired mathematician.
The three main cities in Mexico where the total solar eclipse can be seen are Mazatlan, Durango, and Torreon.
There are many places across the United States where you can experience whole foods. Some of these locations include Dallas, Texas; Russellville, Arkansas; Carbondale, Illinois; Greenwood, Indiana; and Buffalo, New York.