Total Solar Eclipse Set to Make History in North America on April 8

April 8 marks a historic day as North America witnesses a total solar eclipse. This covers everything you need to know about the event.

On Monday, April 8, a rare celestial phenomenon will plunge parts of North America into darkness as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, marking the last total solar eclipse visible on the continent for the next 20 years. Dubbed “Eclipse Across America,” this historic event will be broadcast live on various networks and streaming platforms, including ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+, and Hulu, allowing millions to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle.

Path of Totality Spans Across the U.S.

The path of totality, where viewers can witness the total solar eclipse, spans a 115-mile-wide swath across the U.S., beginning in Texas and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, with small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experiencing the phenomenon. According to Fred Espenak, a former astrophysicist from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the eclipse will cause daylight to change from bright sunlight to an eerie twilight within seconds, revealing bright stars and planets in the darkened sky.

The last total solar eclipse in America occurred in August 2017, but the next one won’t be visible in the contiguous U.S. until August 2044 in Montana and North Dakota, with the next coast-to-coast eclipse slated for 2045. This makes the April 8 eclipse a once-in-a-generation opportunity for skywatchers across the country.

Millions Expected to Travel for the Eclipse

Expert solar eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler predicts that the April 8 eclipse will be the U.S.’s largest mass travel event in 2024, comparing it to “50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation.” An estimated four million people are expected to travel to view the eclipse, with Texas being a prime location due to its position in the path of totality and the best chances for clear skies on eclipse day.

In anticipation of the historic event, Bell County, Texas, has issued a local disaster declaration, as the county’s population of 400,000 residents is expected to double with tourists. The influx of visitors is expected to strain local resources and infrastructure, prompting officials to take proactive measures to ensure public safety and smooth operations during the eclipse.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Espenak emphasizes the rarity and significance of the upcoming eclipse, stating, “I think seeing a total eclipse should be on everybody’s bucket list, and this April is just a golden opportunity. It’s an incredible event that people will remember for their entire lives.”

As North America prepares for this once-in-a-generation celestial spectacle, skywatchers are urged to make plans to witness the total solar eclipse firsthand. Whether traveling to the path of totality or viewing the event through live broadcasts, the April 8 eclipse promises to be an unforgettable experience that will be talked about for decades to come.