2024 Solar Eclipse: Information and the Best Viewing Locations
Total solar eclipses are spectacular events. For many, due to the rarity of total solar eclipses, observing the 2024 solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After seeing the 2017 total solar eclipse on a beautiful sunny day at a campground lake in Oregon, I knew I wanted to one day see another!
Our readers will no doubt want to make the most of their trips to see this incredible event. While many exhaustive resources exist online, I find them to be somewhat difficult to digest for the layman trying to get just the “need to know” information. I wrote this article to help everyone get the information they need to have an amazing viewing experience!
2024 Solar Eclipse: Information and the Best Viewing Locations
- Introduction
- Basic Information
- 2024 Solar Eclipse – Best Viewing Locations
- Maps for the 2024 Solar Eclipse
- How to Best View the 2024 Solar Eclipse
- Conclusion
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Introduction
I remember the first time my mother taught me about solar eclipses as a young child. On May 10, 1994, an annular solar eclipse traveled across the US. While my hometown in New Jersey didn’t land in the path of annularity, we were pretty darn close – at 85% obscurity!
Solar eclipses never really caught my attention again till August 2017, when I was old enough (and had the money) to travel to Oregon just to observe the 2-minute phenomenon. It was so mesmerizing I decided at that time I would chase eclipses whenever and wherever possible!
After the 2017 solar eclipse, my mother asked me to take her with me on my next eclipse chase. 30 years later, we’ll finally get to close the loop from 1994! After all the research I’d done, I wanted to pass on to our loyal readers the best viewing places and information for the 2024 solar eclipse.
Basic Information
Path of Totality
In simple scientific terms, the path of totality refers to that narrow strip on the Earth’s surface where observers can witness the majestic sight of the 2024 solar eclipse, with the Moon entirely obscuring the Sun’s disk. It’s an awe-evoking spectacle that eclipse chasers and seasoned astronomers look forward to, as the Moon’s shadow or ‘umbra’ swiftly moves across the globe.
The 2024 solar eclipse will travel northeast across North America. The path carves through many US states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont, and Maine. It also crosses a tiny slice of southeastern Canada. The path then exits land, into the Atlantic Ocean.
Viewers situated along this path will experience total darkness for up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, although the exact duration will vary based on your location. Compared to the 2017 solar eclipse, the 2024 solar eclipse has a far greater duration!
Most importantly, the duration of the eclipse will not vary dramatically based on where you are along the length of the path. However, it will vary dramatically based on the where you are along the width of the path. In other words, to see maximum totality, try to be as close to the center of the path as possible!
Within this path, the sky will dramatically darken as the Moon covers the Sun. Stars and planets usually invisible during the day will become visible, the temperature will drop, and some have noted birds stop singing as if it was nightfall. I personally saw fish jumping out of the water in Oregon in 2017!
Outside the path of totality, a partial solar eclipse can be observed. The Sun appears like a crescent, marked by the partial shadow of the Moon, called the ‘penumbra’. Remember, the total solar eclipse can only be fully experienced within the path of totality. Don’t miss this ideal opportunity to witness one of nature’s grandest spectacles!
Timing and Duration of the 2024 Solar Eclipse
The 2024 solar eclipse will start in Texas at 1:27 pm CDT and travel northeast through the US, ending at 3:35 pm EDT in Maine. (It will continue on through eastern Canada.)
The duration of the eclipse lasts as long as 4 minutes and 27 seconds. As mentioned above, the duration only varies a little bit along the length of the path. It will vary considerably if you are too far from the center of the path. Be sure to check some of the maps below to see where to drive!
Notably, the duration of this eclipse is far longer than that of the 2017 solar eclipse. The maximum duration of that eclipse was approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This one is almost twice as long!
Viewing the 2024 Solar Eclipse Safely
First and foremost, DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE SUN! Hopefully you all know that already – but yes it will be tempting to do it! According to the American Astronomical Society, it is safe to look into the eclipse during totality.
Experts recommend 2 main types of eclipse viewing: using specially designed glasses, or using a pinhole projector.
I’ve tried the pinhole projector approach – my high school astronomy teacher showed it to us. Boring!
To best view the 2024 solar eclipse, buy yourself some eclipse glasses. They are inexpensive. I list some recommendations below.
One final word of caution: many counterfeit shops are selling phony viewers which could seriously and permanently damage your eyes. Unfortunately, these counterfeit products existed in 2017 as well. I personally recommend sticking with a Made-in-USA brand such as the following:
- Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – Made in the USA CE and ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (5 Pack)
- Made in USA Solar Eclipse Glasses – AAS Approved 2024 CE and ISO Certified Direct Sun View Safe Eye Protection – (6 Pack)
- Land Sea & Sky Solar Eclipse Glasses – CE and ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing – Made in the USA (5 Pack)
2024 Solar Eclipse – Best Viewing Locations
During a total solar eclipse, the path of totality is where you want to be. This narrow track gives spectators the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Moon fully covering the Sun. For the 2024 solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, many cities lie within this “magic” zone. Here are some notable US cities on the path:
- San Antonio, Texas: As one of Texas’ major urban centers, San Antonio will be directly in the path. Visitors can marvel at the eclipse while also exploring the city’s rich history.
- Austin, Texas: The state capital of Texas also lies directly in the eclipse path, with mid-day viewing opportunities.
- Dallas & Fort Worth, Texas: DFW residents and visitors will also have a chance to witness full coverage of the Sun from their city.
- Indianapolis, Indiana: The Midwestern city is almost centrally positioned in the path, meaning a slightly longer duration of totality.
- Cleveland, Ohio: This lakeside city will offer great viewing conditions, especially if the weather cooperates!
- Buffalo, New York: As the second largest city in New York state, Buffalo could invite thousands of eclipse chasers looking to view the phenomenon in mid-afternoon.
- Burlington, Vermont: Burlington’s position near the later stages of the path offers the unique chance to observe the eclipse over Lake Champlain.
- Caribou, Maine: One of the last places in the U.S. to witness the total solar eclipse, Caribou offers mid afternoon viewing.
Amongst these locations, from a weather perspective, Texas is your best bet – and even then, average cloud cover on April 8 is about 50%! In upstate New York, average cloud cover is around 80%. You can hedge some cloud risk by viewing from the shore of one of the Great Lakes.
Remember, the exact times and durations of totality will vary depending on the precise location within each city. Beware, cities may be overcrowded as they are easily accessible to tourists compared to more rural areas. Whether you choose to visit a city or a smaller location, plan ahead to ensure you have a spot.
Most of all, be sure to enjoy this spectacular celestial experience!
Maps for the 2024 Solar Eclipse
2024 Solar Eclipse Map for Ohio
2024 Solar Eclipse Map for Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas
How to Best View the 2024 Solar Eclipse
Weather Considerations
While solar eclipses are a celestial marvel you don’t want to miss, weather plays a critical role in the quality of the viewing experience! A cloud-filled sky can drastically disappoint observers by obscuring the view of the eclipse. Therefore, it’s essential to consider weather patterns when planning where to observe the 2024 solar eclipse.
There’s no guarantee of clear skies anywhere along the path, but some areas are more likely to have favorable conditions based on historical weather patterns. According to weather statistics, Texas has the highest probability of clear skies and thus, may have the most promising viewing spots.
However, weather can always surprise us, so be sure to check local weather updates closer to the date. A detailed local weather forecast will be your best friend in the final days leading up to the eclipse.
Note: Even if the forecast is not promising and you’re unable to travel, don’t give up too soon. Weather does change, and you might still get lucky with a break in the clouds during the crucial minutes of totality.
Lastly, if you’re committed enough to travel for this event, you might want to have a backup location or two in mind, located in different weather zones. This way, you can adjust your plan a day or two ahead, depending on the weather forecasts.
Remember, while you can’t control the weather, you can maximize your chances of success with careful planning. Seeing a total solar eclipse is a thrilling experience that’s definitely worth investing some time and preparation!
Arriving Early
Unless you’re in a particularly rural area, expect traffic to get crazy both before and after the eclipse. After the 2017 eclipse, it took 4 hours to do a 1.5-hour drive in Oregon!
In other words, plan ample time ahead of your commute, if relevant. As an example, I will leave my hotel by 7 am for an eclipse showing at approximately 1:40 pm in Texas.
Essential Items to Bring
Whether you’re an experienced eclipse viewer or it’s your first time witnessing this celestial wonder, being prepared always enhances the experience. Here are some suggestions for essential items you might want to bring to the 2024 solar eclipse:
- Eclipse Glasses or Solar Filters: Watching a solar eclipse directly without protection may damage your eyes. Always use eclipse glasses or solar filters that follow the ISO 12312-2 international standard for safe viewing.
- Comfortable Seating: As you might be waiting for several hours before the eclipse begins, consider bringing a comfortable folding chair, picnic blanket, or cushion.
- Sunscreen and Hats: Remember you will be outside potentially for several hours. Protect your skin with a high-factor sunscreen and a hat.
- Water and Snacks: Staying hydrated and maintaining energy levels are important! Carry plenty of water and snacks, even if you’re not viewing the eclipse in a remote location without access to amenities. Once you camp out in a spot, you may not want to leave at the risk of someone else taking your spot!
- Camera Equipment: If you plan to photograph or video the eclipse, don’t forget your camera equipment. This includes tripods for stability and extra batteries or power banks for your devices. Note that eclipse photography is very difficult and unless you are experienced, don’t expect stellar results!
- Local Maps: If viewing in a remote location, a local map can be handy, especially if you lose service on your phone. Better yet, consider downloading an offline map first!
- Information Guide or Eclipse App: An eclipse informational guide or smartphone app can help you understand exactly what is happening and when it will occur based on your location.
Insider Tips
- If you have the ability, try to find a place in nature where wildlife such as birds or even fish are present. I was in a campground in Oregon during the 2017 solar eclipse, on the edge of a lake. We saw fish jumping out of the water when the eclipse happened!
- Arrive early. I can’t stress this one enough. Unless you are on private property, expect it to get crowded.
- Bring comfortable seating and a copious amount of snacks and water.
- Expect traffic to be worse after totality than it was before. It took 4 hours for us to do a 1.5 hour drive back to Portland after the 2017 eclipse!
- Photography will be difficult. Unless you are an expert, temper your expectations.
Conclusion
Viewing a total solar eclipse is on many a bucket list! The 2024 solar eclipse will give many Americans and Canadians the chance to see this without a great deal of travel. While a great deal of information exists online, I’ve boiled this article down to the most important information you need to know to enjoy the eclipse.
If you’re traveling to see it, I wish you the best of luck with the weather!