The much-anticipated day has arrived. In just a matter of hours, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies over portions of Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
An estimated 32 million Americans reside within the path of totality, where the moon will entirely obscure the sun’s face for a brief period.
Commencing its journey over the South Pacific Ocean, the eclipse will traverse North America. Mexico’s Pacific coast will witness the initial totality at 11:07 a.m. PT (2:07 p.m. ET), culminating on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland at 5:16 p.m. local time (3:46 p.m. ET). Explore this map to discern how the eclipse will manifest in your vicinity.
Those situated along the path’s central axis will experience a total eclipse lasting between 3 ½ and 4 minutes, as outlined by NASA.
In the United States, a complete solar eclipse will be observable in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, albeit inclement weather may mar viewing opportunities in certain regions.
Favorable viewing conditions are anticipated in Vermont through Maine and Missouri through southern Indiana, while less-than-ideal weather may prevail in Texas and the eastern Great Lakes.
Anticipation is palpable in the quaint Maine town of Houlton, where crowds have surpassed expectations.
Outside the path of totality, spectators can witness a partial solar eclipse, characterized by the moon seemingly taking a crescent-shaped “bite” out of the sun.
Ensure safe viewing by donning certified eclipse glasses or utilizing a solar viewer. Sunglasses are insufficient protection, as gazing at any phase of the eclipse sans proper eye protection can lead to irreversible eye damage known as solar retinopathy.
Concerned about counterfeit eclipse glasses? Conduct a simple authenticity test. Alternatively, fashion a pinhole projector for safe eclipse observation, especially if children are involved.
Special Eclipse Moments
While totality marks the pinnacle of a total solar eclipse, other noteworthy phases precede this climactic event.
The partial eclipse, lasting 70 to 80 minutes, heralds the moon’s gradual traversal across the sun.
Approximately 15 to 20 minutes before totality, the skies darken and assume an eerie gray hue, signaling imminent totality.
In rapid succession preceding total obscuration of the sun’s light, spectators may observe drops of sunlight clustering around the moon, forming Baily’s beads. These drops merge to create a glittering “diamond ring” effect. Subsequently, the moon completely envelops the sun, unveiling the ethereal glow of the sun’s corona.
Although totality commands attention, viewers may also glimpse Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and faint Saturnian light in the sky.
While Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks may elude naked-eye detection, astronomers underscore the eclipse’s significance as a celestial spectacle.
During totality, diurnal animals may fall silent, while nocturnal creatures, such as crickets, may stir—a phenomenon ripe for scientific exploration.
Expect a transient temperature drop during totality’s fleeting darkness.
As totality concludes, a diamond ring effect heralds the eclipse’s denouement, succeeded by Baily’s beads and a partial eclipse as the sun, moon, and Earth realign, culminating the temporary syzygy.
