The Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming! Here's Everything You Need to Know

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As celestial phenomena go, few events rival the awe-inspiring spectacle of a solar eclipse—especially this one! In just a few days, a total solar eclipse will be visible across North America (including Ree’s state of Oklahoma), plunging parts of the U.S. into darkness as the rare phenomenon crosses over. Then, it won't happen again for decades!

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun for a short time. This is different than the more frequent partial solar eclipse, in which the moon only covers part of the sun, giving it a crescent shape.

However, observing any solar eclipse requires careful planning and preparation to ensure both safety and optimal viewing conditions. In this guide, we'll explore the steps you need to take to safely and effectively watch the total solar eclipse, including what time it's taking place and how you can glimpse it in its full glory!

When is the 2024 total solar eclipse?

The upcoming total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024. In the U.S., the eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CDT, then end in Maine at 3:35 pm EDT. Keep in mind, the shadow of the moon goes through several time zones, so you'll want to check the local time to ensure you don’t miss it. NASA has an interactive map that can help you with that!

Though the whole event will take about two and a half hours, totality will only last about four minutes. The closer you are to the center of the totality path, the longer the maximum point of the eclipse will last for you.

Okay, but what exactly is totality? Well, it's the track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface. To witness the total solar eclipse on April 8, you have to be within this 115-mile-wide path. Otherwise, you'll just see a partial eclipse.

Where can I see the 2024 total solar eclipse?

It's dubbed the Great North American Eclipse for a reason! The solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Here in the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas before traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small areas of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience totality.

For people lucky enough to be in the path, the sky will darken for several minutes and the air will get colder. And dependent on the weather, you'll be able to view the sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is only visible when the sun’s disc is completely covered by the moon and is otherwise obscured by the bright face of the sun.

How can I safely see the 2024 total solar eclipse?

Here's the thing: you can't just walk outside on April 8 and look up at the sky. Actually, this is really dangerous! To view the spectacle safely, you'll have to wear specialized glasses (not just any 'ol sunglasses), use a handheld solar viewer or build a pinhole projector. The only time you can view the eclipse without proper eye protection is during the very brief period in which it reaches totality—but be sure you have your eclipse glasses on whenever it's just a partial eclipse. Also, keep in mind that glasses are not sufficient when using tools like binoculars or cameras.

Planning on watching the solar eclipse? Walmart has you covered (literally!) with a viewing bundle that includes certified viewing glasses and a phone lens filter to keep you safe. But they’re making it fun, too! You’ll also find a blanket, chair, cooler, Milky Way bars, Moonpies, Cosmic Brownies, and more. You can order everything and pick it up or have it shipped to your door, starting at $17 for a pack of five viewing glasses.

Either way, we suggest making an event out of it! After all, the next total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. won't happen until August 2044—and that's only in Montana and North Dakota. The next total solar eclipse to span coast-to-coast will occur in 2045. So, this calls for solar-bration! 😎

Solar Eclipse Glasses

Solar Eclipse Smartphone Photo Filter Lens

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