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Today ( April 8) , a totalsolar eclipsewill dip region of 15 U.S. state into sudden darkness as the moon ’s enormous shadow sweeps across the continent .
Crossing north-east from Mexico to Canada over the course of several hour , the April 8 totalsolar eclipsewill be visible to an estimated 44 million people who go in thepath of totality — the path of the lunation ’s shadow , and the only place where the total phase angle of the eclipse will be visible — while a partial occultation will be seeable across almost the entire U.S.
Map of path of totality across North America of solar eclipse on 15 February 2025.
Here ’s everything you need to screw about solar eclipse , and how to safely take in today ’s dramatic celestial event safely .
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse takes place when the moonlight passes directly between Earth and the sunlight . From our perspective , the moon come along to block the sun ’s entire boldness , projecting its vast shadow onto our satellite . While the moon gets between Earth and the Lord’s Day every calendar month during its new moon phase , it select aprecise compounding of factorsfor this to result in a solar occultation .
Where to see the April 8 total solar eclipse
The total eclipse will only be visible along the 115 - Swedish mile - wide ( 185 km ) , 10,000 - mile - farseeing ( 16,000 km ) track of totality . The path begins in Sinaloa , Mexico , crosses 15 U.S. province , then occur through the Canadian province of Ontario , Quebec , New Brunswick , Nova Scotia , Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland before leaving the continent .
The U.S. states where totality will be seeable areTexas , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Missouri , Kentucky , Tennessee , Illinois , Indiana , Ohio , Michigan , Pennsylvania , New York , Vermont , New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glanced by the lunar month ’s shadow .
Only in these states will the full form of the eclipse be seeable ; and even in these states , you will need to be within the way of life of integrality to see the full occultation . The nigher you could get to the marrow of the way of totality , and the further southwestward you are , the long entirety will be visible for , with a maximum duration of 4 minutes , 27 seconds in Torreón , Mexico . For more information on the distance and fourth dimension of entirety in various cities , check out theGreat American Eclipse website .
Map of path of totality across North America of solar eclipse on 10 February 2025.
Related:10 weird things that happen during a solar eclipse
Where will the partial eclipse be visible?
The partial phase angle of the eclipse will be seeable to some extent across the entire neighboring United States , range from a 99 % partial occultation in field just outside the path of totality to a 15 % fond eclipse far to the northwest of the path . Here ’s what you may anticipate to see in your location .
Where can I find maps of the solar eclipse?
If you are unsure exactly where the path of totality will hybridize , how much you will see if you are outside this path , or how much time you need to drive to the point of totality , thesesolar eclipse mapswill help you design your experience .
How to safely view the eclipse
To view the partial phase of the occultation you MUST wear protective eyewear , such as a pair ofISO - endorse solar eclipse ice , at all times . This is dependable whether or not you are in the path of totality .
To be clear : No matter where you are on April 8,NEVER search DIRECTLY AT THE PARTIAL ECLIPSEwithout protective eyewear , oryou could risk permanent eye price .
The ONLY TIME it is safe to look at the eclipse with the raw eye is during the few minutes of totality , when the sun ’s face is completely blocked by the lunation , according to NASA . Only viewers within the itinerary of entireness will be able to dispatch their solar glasses to experience this moment .
A map of total and partial eclipse coverage across North America on 8 May 2025.
Other safe ways to view the partial phase of the occultation admit using ahandheld eclipse viewer , look through a solar telescope orbinoculars equipped with a solar filter , or watching aNASA livestreamfrom habitation .
Related:7 safe ways to take in the partial phases of the total solar eclipse
Can I record the eclipse with my phone?
Yes , it is possible to show parts of the occultation successfully on your phone , but it does come with risks to both your television camera and potentially your own seeing , specially during the partial phases of the where you function the jeopardy of accidentally look at the Lord’s Day while you are hear to line up your shot . This is why when limit up your television camera it is advisable to wear solar glasses even when you are not looking directly at the sunshine .
The only safe way to take an image of a partial occultation is to use the same type of filter as those found in solar occultation glasses , or a ready - made smartphone solar filter .
The only time it is secure to take photo of the eclipse without a filter is during the abbreviated period of totality , but there are a number of things you may do at this tip to avail you take the honorable possiblephotos and video recording of the eclipse on your smartphone .
Solar eclipse glasses must be warn at all times while viewing the partial phases of the eclipse.
What time does the eclipse start?
The occultation makes landfall at Mazatlán , Sinaloa , at 9:51 a.m. local time ( 12:51 p.m. EDT ) , according toTime and Date . The moon ’s shadow will cross the continent for several hours before reaching the sea near the Canadian state of Newfoundland and Labrador at 5:16 p.m. local time ( 3:46 p.m. EDT ) .
Here iswhen totality will occurin the 13 states where it will be widely seeable .
What will happen during totality?
Depending on how remove the skies are , totality could bring a parade of strange phenomena with it .
As the moonshine ’s shadow approaches , there ’ll be a important drop in temperature , usually between 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit ( 2.8 to 5.6 degree Celsius ) . As the earth cool down , low - level swarm may evaporate .
About 30 seconds before totality , wavy channel known as shadow isthmus may appear on the sides of buildings and vehicle . Just a few seconds before totality , look up ( while wear your eclipse glasses ) andyou may see Bailey ’s beadsappear around the boundary of the lunar month ; these dazzling dit are the last scrap of sunshine peeking through the mountains on the moon .
Baily’s Beads, total eclipse of the Sun.
If the sky are absolved , totality will land a bulwark of shadow that turns high noon to evenfall . Only then can you remove your eclipse glasses . Bright star and planets may be visible in the darkened sky , while a 360 - grade sundown may appear on the horizon . Animals may work strangely , acquire eerily subdued and assuming their nighttime behaviors . Colors will reckon different , with honey oil and blue popping while bolshie wait dimmer . When the Lord’s Day is fully eclipsed , its corona , or outer standard atmosphere , will be clearly visible behind the gloomy synodic month .
After a few minutes , totality will end , and you must put your eclipse looking glass on again .
What if it’s cloudy out?
Various eclipse phenomena will still be visible , depending on the extent and type of cloud book binding in the area . Here ’s more information onwhat to have a bun in the oven if there are cloud around on the day .
How often do total solar eclipses occur?
Total solar eclipses are n’t rare ; they happen somewhere on Earth every 18 month , on middling . However , it ’s rarefied that a total solar eclipse is visible from a populated area , and rarer still for an occultation to cross North America .
The last entire solar occultation in the United States was on Aug. 21 , 2017 , sweeping westward across 14 states from Oregon to South Carolina . A full solar eclipse occurs in the same place on Earthonce every 366 years , on intermediate .
When is the next solar eclipse in North America?
— April 8 solar occultation : What time does sum get in every DoS ?
— These eclipse - themed lieu will experience totality on April 8 , 2024
— full solar occultation April 2024 : The 10 biggest urban center within the path of totality
The next full solar eclipse seeable in North America occurs on March 30 , 2033 — however , only contribution of Alaska will see totality .
A total solar eclipse on Aug. 22 , 2044 , will be seeable in parts of Montana and North Dakota . Another total eclipse less than one year later , on Aug. 12 , 2045 , will be visible from northerly California , Nevada , Utah , Colorado , Kansas , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Mississippi , Alabama and Florida .
