If you haven’t heard (perhaps you live on the moon?), a solar eclipse is happening this April, with the path of totality stretching across the U.S. from Texas to Maine. This is a big one, and the last chance to catch a total eclipse until 2044. Celestial enthusiasts have been snapping up hotels and Airbnbs in ideal viewing spots, but there’s still time to make your plans to see this rare solar event. To get the best views, here are the best states to watch the 2024 solar eclipse.
When is the solar eclipse?
The 2024 solar eclipse will take place Monday, April 8, 2024.
Which U.S. states will get the best views of the solar eclipse?
The lucky states with the best views of the 2024 solar eclipse are Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. These states are in the path of totality. If you’re there, you’ll be able to see the total eclipse as the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun. Other states will see a partial eclipse.
If the weather cooperates, Texas, specifically Hill Country, is the number one best state for viewing the total eclipse. In some parts of Texas, totality will last upwards of four and a half minutes. Texas is known for dry, sunny weather, so here’s hoping that’s what we’ll get during the eclipse.
Other states will see shorter durations of totality, but totality nonetheless. Seeing the eclipse in a city versus a rural area is a matter of personal preference. You can also check out the eclipse surrounded by nature at the national and state parks in the path of totality.
What time will the eclipse happen?
The time of the eclipse depends on your location. Totality will begin around 12:30pm in Texas, and around 3:30PM in Maine (both times are local). NASA has several handy maps and charts that detail the specific times of totality.
What is the path of totality?
The path of totality is the swath of the globe that can see when the moon completely covers the sun. The sky in these places will darken for three and a half to four minutes. Areas of the U.S. from Texas to Maine will experience totality.
What’s special about solar eclipses?
Total solar eclipses are rare events. The last one we saw in the U.S. was in 2017. The 2024 total solar eclipse will last longer, have a wider path of totality and will be visible in more major cities than the last one.
Excitement is building, so make plans now to catch this rare celestial event.