Today marks the celestial spectacle of a total solar eclipse gracing North America, casting parts of 15 U.S. states into the path of totality. Detailed maps unveil the precise locations and timings for astronomy enthusiasts to witness the awe-inspiring event, as the skies darken in the midst of Monday, April 8.
The total eclipse unveils its grandeur initially along Mexico's Pacific Coast, commencing at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT, before embarking on a journey across the United States from Texas to Maine, and onward into the expanses of Canada.
According to NASA, an estimated 31.6 million individuals reside within the path of totality, where the moon will entirely obscure the sun. This path stretches between 108 and 122 miles in width, with an additional 150 million people dwelling within 200 miles of this remarkable trajectory.
Duration of the 2024 total solar eclipse
Spanning from Texas to Maine, the April 8 eclipse offers varying durations of wonder. Depending on your specific location along the path delineated on the accompanying map, the transition from daylight to dusk may unfold for a remarkable duration of four minutes and 28 seconds.
Initiating its journey over the Pacific Ocean, the total solar eclipse will grace the continental expanse of North America, with the first landfall of totality occurring along Mexico's Pacific Coast at 11:07 a.m. PDT. From there, the path traverses through Texas, traversing over a dozen states before transcending into Canada's southern Ontario. Finally, the eclipse bids farewell to continental North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT, as it exits from Newfoundland, Canada.
The path of totality includes portions of the following states:
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine