Your guide to the solar eclipse 2024 - when is it happening?

On Monday, a total solar eclipse will occur across the US, Canada, and Mexico, causing the sky to become dark in the middle of the day.

On Monday, a very uncommon total solar eclipse will happen in a specific area of the United States. Many people are eagerly looking forward to seeing this fascinating natural occurrence, which is the first of its kind on the continent since 2017.

Here's the essential information you should keep in mind:

What's A Total Solar Eclipse?

In April 8, 2024, a rare and exciting event will occur in Mexico, the US and Canada as a total solar eclipse happens. This eclipse happens when the Moon aligns with the Earth and the Sun, causing the Sun to be completely blocked for about 4 minutes and 28 seconds. It's a phenomenon that should not be missed!

When Does It Start?

According to Nasa, their entry into the US will take place at 2:27pm ET (6:27pm GMT), and they will depart approximately one hour after arrival.

What's Causing Everyone's Excitement?

Frequently, these types of incidents occur in isolated regions of the planet, but this time it will cross above several densely inhabited areas. After arriving from Mexico, it will traverse Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine in the United States.

Small portions of Michigan and Tennessee can also experience the total solar eclipse, granted that the weather is clear. Once the eclipse reaches Canada, it will travel across the southern parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton, ultimately concluding at the eastern edge of Nova Scotia.

Who Can View It?

It is estimated that about 44 million individuals reside in the trajectory of complete darkness, while a few hundred million individuals reside within 200 miles of it.

How Are Folks Prepping To Witness It?

The solar eclipse has turned into a popular draw for travelers, with numerous individuals boarding flights to regions within the path of totality. According to CBS News, an approximated 4 million individuals were anticipated to travel to metropolitan hubs like Dallas, funneling up to $1 billion into regional markets as lodgings and camping areas reach maximum capacity.

Mass Wedding: Fact Or Fiction?

A little while prior to the eclipse, approximately 300 pairs from 22 different states are preparing to tie the knot in Russellville, Arkansas - the exact location where the total eclipse is predicted to be visible. Among these couples, we have Carlotta Cox and Matthew Holloway from Knoxville, Tennessee.

According to a local journalist, Mr Cox said that witnessing a total solar eclipse firsthand is truly incomparable. He highly recommends adding it to one's list of must-see experiences, especially for those who have not yet had the chance to witness it for themselves.

What's Everyone Else Up To?

Various venues are holding watch parties for the upcoming solar eclipse. Brooklyn Botanic Garden aligns with 90% totality, while Main Street Garden in Dallas is expecting 100% totality.

The New York Adventure Club currently has a package deal on offer which includes a three-day train ride in a 1950s First Class Pullman car. For a price of $8,000, you can embark on the journey from New York City to Niagara Falls over the dates of April 7th to 9th. This special package includes the opportunity to witness a spectacular total eclipse that will pass over New York State for the first time in over six decades. Moreover, it is worth noting that prisoners residing at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in New York State have also been granted permission to watch the astounding occurrence. The decision came after attorneys representing the prisoners filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision which had initially denied these inmates the chance to view the eclipse.

Eclipse: What To Expect?

According to science journalist Nell Greenfieldboyce from National Public Radio, a total eclipse causes a sudden and dramatic darkening of the sky accompanied by a drop in temperature. As a result of this phenomenon, stars become visible, and beautiful colors appear around the horizon.

The Sun, which was once easily recognizable, appears as a dark emptiness in the sky, with a radiant corona enveloping it. The corona is a misty, white circle that surrounds the Sun's atmosphere.

Although it's unlikely that pets, farm animals and zoo animals will behave unusually during the eclipse, there could be a few exceptions. According to the New York Times, cows may head back to their barns at bedtime, flamingoes may cluster together nervously and even the typically slow-moving Galápagos tortoise might become more amorous. However, it's hard to know for certain what will happen, and specialists will be keeping a close eye on things.

Can We Stare At The Sun Safely?

According to professionals, it is dangerous to stare at the Sun without protection during a partial eclipse and it is recommended to wear specialized eclipse glasses that are significantly darker than regular sunglasses. However, when the Moon completely covers the Sun during the brief time of totality, it is safe to observe without any additional gear.

Are There Any Comets Visible?

While totality occurs, individuals may have the opportunity to witness Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, which is a type of comet. They may also observe Venus, Saturn, and Mars. However, it could be challenging to perceive these celestial objects without any visual aids.

Last Total Solar Eclipse Date?

The previous total eclipse occurred on August 21, 2017, however, it was not as long as the current one. The upcoming total eclipse will happen on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, but it is estimated to only affect certain regions such as Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.