10 Must-Know Facts About the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Crossing the US on Monday

John Lopez, Tech Times 07 April 2024, 12:04 pm

This total solar eclipse, which will occur on Monday, Apr. 8, will cast a shadow across the continental United States if the weather cooperates, mesmerizing millions of onlookers.

While you wait, check out these ten interesting facts about this remarkable event.

First Total Solar Eclipse in Seven Years

The April 2024 total solar eclipse marks the first time in seven years that the continental US will experience such an event. The last one occurred on August 21, 2017, followed by another in 1979.

US-SOLAR-ECLIPSE-TRUMP — US President Donald Trump looks up at the partial solar eclipse from the balcony of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 21, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / NICHOLAS KAMM
(Photo : NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)

Everyone Gets a Glimpse of the Eclipse

There is no need to worry about missing out because everyone in the continental US will be able to catch at least a partial eclipse. From coast to coast, skygazers will witness the Moon covering a significant portion of the Sun's surface.

Communities In The Path Of Totality Prepare For Monday's Solar Eclipse — HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS - APRIL 06: A marquee announces a solar eclipse party as part of the town's celebration of the April 8 solar eclipse on April 06, 2024 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Communities across the country in the path of totality of the April 8 eclipse are holding festivals and preparing to host a massive influx of visitors to view the rare celestial phenomenon.
(Photo : Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Where Will the Eclipse Begin?

The show starts in Texas, where eager spectators can witness the first moments of totality at the Mexican border in Las Quintas Fronterizas. The total phase lasts a remarkable 4 minutes and 22 seconds.

MEXICO-ASTRONOMY-ANNULAR-ECLIPSE — A man carries his son to watch the annular solar eclipse through a telescope in Merida, State of Yucatan, Mexico, on October 14, 2023. Skygazers across the Americas turned their faces upwards Saturday for a rare celestial event: an annular solar eclipse. (Photo by HUGO BORGES / AFP)
(Photo : Photo by HUGO BORGES/AFP via Getty Images)

The Solar Eclipse Will Cross 15 States

This eclipse's path cuts through 15 states, promising a breathtaking journey from Texas all the way to Maine. If you have the time and fuel, it is a road trip you won't want to miss!

Experience Maximum Totality Duration

For those seeking the ultimate eclipse experience, head to Nazas, Mexico, where you can bask in the glory of totality for an impressive 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Bid Farewell to the Eclipse in Maine

Maine will be the final stop for totality in the US, offering spectators a last glimpse of the awe-inspiring phenomenon before it bids good-bye at 3:35 p.m. EDT.

Catch the Best City Views of the Eclipse

Several major cities, including San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas in Texas, are in for a treat as they plunge into darkness during the eclipse. Unlike in 2017, where only Nashville enjoyed the show, this time, multiple metropolitan centers will witness the event.

Millions of Onlookers Along the Path

Over 31.5 million lucky individuals reside along the path of totality, making it accessible to a vast population. So, if you are in the right place at the right time, all you need to do is step outside and look up!

Longest Totality Possible

While this eclipse's maximum total duration is impressive at 4 minutes and 28 seconds, the longest possible duration is a staggering 7 minutes and 32 seconds. But the sad part is it won't happen until 2132!

Take Note of Future Eclipses

It is fine if you miss this one as more eclipses await in the future. The next total solar eclipse over the continental US is scheduled for August 23, 2044, with subsequent events in 2045 and 2078.

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