On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the United States, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for millions of Americans.
This event, known as the Great American Eclipse, will be the first total solar eclipse visible in the continental United States since 2017.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on the Earth. This shadow, known as the umbra, is where the total eclipse can be seen. The path of the umbra is relatively narrow, usually only a few hundred miles wide, making it a rare event for any specific location to experience a total solar eclipse.
The Path of Totality
The path of totality is determined by the size of the umbra. The closer the moon is to the Earth, the larger the umbra will be, and the wider the path of totality will be. This is why the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse is wider than the path of totality for the 2017 eclipse.
The path of the 2024 eclipse is also unique because it will pass through some of the most populated areas in the United States. This means that millions of people will have the opportunity to witness this incredible event. In fact, it’s estimated that over 12 million people live within the path of totality, and millions more will travel to see the eclipse.
The path of totality is the area on Earth where the total solar eclipse can be seen. For the 2024 eclipse, the path of totality will stretch from Mexico, through the United States, and into Canada. The path will be approximately 115 miles wide and will cover a distance of over 9,000 miles. This path will pass through 15 states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Duration
The duration of totality is another factor that makes the 2024 eclipse so special. The longest duration of totality for the 2024 eclipse will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, making it one of the longest total solar eclipses in recent history. This extended duration will give viewers more time to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse.
To experience the full effect of the 2024 eclipse, you’ll need to be in the path of totality. This means finding a spot within the 115-mile-wide path that stretches from Mexico to Canada. If you’re unable to travel to the path of totality, you can still witness a partial eclipse from other areas of the United States.
The Science Behind the 2024 Eclipse
The moon’s orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle; it’s an ellipse. This means that the distance between the Earth and the moon varies throughout the year. When the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, known as perigee, it appears larger in the sky. When the moon is at its farthest point from the Earth, known as apogee, it appears smaller.
The moon’s shadow is divided into two parts: the umbra and the penumbra. The umbra is the darkest part of the shadow, where the total eclipse can be seen. The penumbra is the lighter part of the shadow, where a partial eclipse can be seen. The size of the umbra and penumbra varies depending on the distance between the Earth and the moon.
Next Solar Eclipse
After the 2024 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse visible in the continental United States will occur on August 12, 2045. This eclipse will be visible in a path that stretches from Northern California to Florida.
