If this is the year you’re really hammering in on appreciating the night sky, then this new map from NASA is something you need to download. Solar eclipses provide some of the most striking stargazing you can do—yet their timing is complex. NASA’s new map shows you where and when in the U.S. to catch a solar eclipse this year and in 2024, as reported by Digital Trends.
The map helps delineate where upcoming solar eclipses can best be viewed. In 2023, we’ll have an annular solar eclipse, and in 2024 it will be a total solar eclipse. Let’s break it down!
What is an annular solar eclipse? It happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth while the moon is the farthest possible away from earth, which creates a “ring of fire” visual where the sun’s fire can be seen encircling the moon. This kind of eclipse will happen on October 14.
What is a total solar eclipse? It’s when the moon completely blocks the sun when it passes between it and the earth. That provides a dramatic darkening as if the sun is setting (or is coming up), and those lucky enough to be in the “path of totality” may even get to see the sun’s corona (its outer fiery atmosphere). This total eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024.
Mapmaker extraordinaire Michala Garrison created this tool (using eclipse data calculated by visualizer Ernie Wright: I think we’ve found the job title ever) to make sure people don’t miss out on these striking phenomena. She says she was in Maryland for 2017’s partial eclipse, which makes her want to head to Albuquerque this year to experience a full eclipse. Garrison works at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center where she is a part of the Scientific Visualization Studio.
We’re not going to lie to you, reader. The map is as complex as the eclipses themselves. In its depths, you’ll encounter things like antumbra, duration contours, obscuration and penumbra paths. You know. NASA talk.
But there are two giant bands on the map that cross North America, one for this year and one for next year, that show you the best place to catch much eclipse action as possible. And that nice visual that looks like crossed swords tells us that San Antonio, TX, is the magic spot because it is within the bands for both. Around 11:55 CDT on October 14, it’ll be time to see this year’s eclipse, and around 1:35 CDT on April 8, 2024, San Antonio residents can grab a great view of next year’s total eclipse.
Another excellent location is Albuquerque, which is in the band for this year (but not next year). 10:35 MDT on Oct. 14 is when those residents should be outside with their eclipse glasses. Seriously, don’t look at these things without something to protect your eyes! It might damage your antumbra penumbra contours.
