Date and Path

The eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, crossing North America from Mexico to Canada, with millions in the Western Hemisphere able to witness it

Variability of Totalities

The lengths of total phases vary due to the changing distances between Earth, the Sun, and the Moon. Earth's distance from the Sun varies by 3%, and the Moon's from Earth by 12%, affecting the Moon's apparent size

Saros Cycles

Solar eclipses recur every approximately 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours, known as Saros cycles. Eclipses separated by one Saros cycle are similar​

Partial Eclipse Visibility in the U.S

Everyone in the continental U.S. will witness at least a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering a minimum of 16% of the Sun's surface​

Totality vs. Partial Eclipse

Only during totality can one witness the full celestial spectacle, like the diamond ring effect and the Sun's corona, which are not visible during a partial eclipse​

Center Line for Best Viewing

The longest duration of the eclipse occurs along its center line due to the round shape of the Moon's shadow​

First Contact in Texas

 The total phase of the eclipse begins in Las Quintas Fronterizas, Texas, at 1:27:21 p.m. CDT

Maximum Duration

 The maximum duration of totality will be 4 minutes 28 seconds in Nazas, Mexico​

Safe Viewing During Totality

 It's safe to view the eclipse without a filter only during the totality phase

Expected Viewership

 The 2024 eclipse is anticipated to be the most-viewed ever due to media attention, accessibility, typical weather, and its path through populous regions