A total solar eclipse crosses North America on April 8, 2024, with parts of 15 U.S. states in the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy enthusiasts can see the big event.
The total eclipse will first appear along the Pacific coast of Mexico around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then cross part of the United States, from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.
According to NASA, about 31.6 million people live in the path of totality, the area where the moon will completely obscure the sun. The path will be between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.
Map of the path of totality of the solar eclipse for 2024
THE total solar eclipse will begin over the Pacific Ocean, and the first place in continental North America to experience totality is the Pacific coast of Mexico, around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue to Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada, in southern Ontario. The eclipse will leave mainland North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.
The path of totality includes the following states:
Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience a total solar eclipse.
Several major cities in the United States are included in the total path of the eclipse, while many others will see a partial eclipse. Here are some of the best big cities for viewing eclipses – weather permitting:
- San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
- Austin, TX
- Waco, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Dayton, Ohio
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Buffalo, New York
- Rochester, New York
- Syracuse, New York
- Burlington, VT
Map showing when the solar eclipse will reach totality along the path
NASA
The eclipse will begin in the United States on the afternoon of April 8. NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the United States. You can also check your zip code on NASA’s map to see when the eclipse will reach you if you’re on or near the path of totality.
How much of the eclipse will you see if you live outside the path of totality?
Although the April 8 eclipse will cover a large portion of the United States, many will see nothing. Outside of the path of totality, observers can spot a partial eclipse, where the moon covers most, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA.
NASA allows viewers to enter a zip code and see how much sunlight will be covered in their location.
Where will the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest time?
Viewers of the eclipse near Torreón, Mexico, will experience totality for as long as possible. Totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds, according to NASA.
According to NASA, most locations along the midline of the path of totality will see a duration of totality between 3.5 and 4 minutes. Some places in the United States are getting close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a total duration of 4 minutes and 24 seconds.
What is the path of totality of the 2044 solar eclipse?
After the eclipse of April 8, next total solar eclipse which will be visible from the contiguous United States will take place on August 23, 2044.
In the United States, astronomy enthusiasts will have far fewer opportunities to observe the 2044 eclipse than the April 8 eclipse. NASA hasn’t yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse, but, according to the Planetary Society, the path of totality will only hit three states.
The 2024 eclipse will begin in Greenland, pass over Canada and end at sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.
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