Mazatlan to Niagara Falls: Exploring the Path of Totality
On April 8, 2024, a once in a lifetime astronomy event unfolds in North America: a total solar eclipse visible in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. The path of totality, where the moon covers the sun, spans from Mazatlan to Canada’s Atlantic Coast. Depending on the weather, catch a partial eclipse locally, or journey to the path for the full experience. Discover prime viewing locations as the country plunges into darkness. Here is a brief list of places to watch the country plunge into darkness.
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The Path of Total Eclipse
The eclipse will begin on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse path enters the United States in Texas and travels through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. And finally, the eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.
Given that millions traveled to witness the 2017 total eclipse, it’s advisable to plan if you intend to follow the path of the upcoming solar eclipse in 2024. Note that numerous smaller cities and towns are also situated along the path of the total eclipse, not just the more prominent cities listed.
The last total eclipse was in 2017. However, the next eclipse that you can see in the United States is predicted to take place on August 23, 2044. It is anticipated to be visible in several states in the central and eastern United States. However, the precise path of totality will depend on future calculations by NASA.
Here are my 2023 Travel Reflections: What Did I Learn From Living Abroad
Credit: ©2021 Great American Eclipse, LLC, Used with Permission
What You’ll Need and What to Expect
When preparing to witness a solar eclipse, essential items include certified solar viewing glasses to protect your eyes. Anticipate a surreal experience as the moon covers the sun, creating moments of darkness during the day. To enhance your viewing, consider bringing a telescope (camera) with a solar filter for a closer look. Find a suitable location with an unobstructed sky view, and be mindful of your surroundings. Arrive early to secure your spot, and stay informed about the eclipse timings in your area. Remember to check the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of cloud cover. Lastly, immerse yourself in the celestial show and embrace the unique and captivating spectacle above.
Looking for a spiritual destination in 2024? Check out these four places to balance your yin and yang.
Where & When to See the Solar Eclipse
Here is the list of cities where you can see a full solar eclipse. Note you will also see a partial eclipse before and after the total eclipse.
This table provides the time that totality begins in a city in each US state in the path of totality. These areas will also experience a partial eclipse before and after these times. But I absolutely love this map of the eclipse coverage by Xavier M. Jubier. This Google Map lets you pinpoint an exact viewing location along the path. Here is additional information on the partial eclipses and durations.
I’ve found some of my favorite places on road trips; check this place out on Lake Michigan.
Conclusion
So get ready for a celestial adventure on April 8, 2024. Mark your calendar and get ready to be captivated by the cosmic dance of the sun and moon in a place you’ve yet to explore.
Here in the Quad Cities we got to about 92% eclipse. There was a notable change in the amount if sunlight and temperature. It did get pretty chilly. So plan, and remember to pack your certified solar viewing glasses, ND filter for your camera, your popcorn, and a few hundred friends.
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