EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE VISIBLE ABOVE THE U.S. THIS APRIL

solar eclipse photo

When it comes to a once-in-a-lifetime event, nothing beats a total solar eclipse over America. Typically, this phenomenon happens every 100 years for many locations.

The upcoming Great North American Eclipse of 2024, occurring on April 8, 2024, will truly be one of the biggest celestial events of our lifetime. Certainly, you’ll want to be part of this grand spectacle, right? With the celestial phenomena passing over several states in America, it’s best to find the most ideal location in the path of totality. And with so many viewing options, finding the perfect destination could become a daunting task. Luckily, OnlyInYourState has done the leg work and has put together a list of 14 of the best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse.

If you’re up for more of an adventurous viewing experience, we’re partnering with AllTrails to share the best hiking trails where you can witness the total solar eclipse for yourself, from Texas all the way north to Maine.

Plus, we’re giving you some great tips and telling you everything you need to know about the upcoming celestial show — remember to keep in mind that millions of folks will be traveling to find the best seat in town.

 

francis grenier/AllTrails
If you live in one of the prime viewing spots, expect extra traffic in your area for a few days before and perhaps after the eclipse.

WHEN TO SEE THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024?

On Monday, April 8, 2024, the eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean, with Mexico’s Pacific coast experiencing totality at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse will then travel across Mexico and enter America at the southwest Texas border. From there, it will sweep across the states and up into Canada and will then dissipate. From start to end, the entire event will last about two and a half hours, but totality will only last for about 90 seconds to about 4 minutes 28 seconds depending on your viewing location. You’ll want to be as close to the path of totality for the ultimate experience.

Check out this incredible YouTube video by Great American Eclipse showing the path of the eclipse as it casts its shadow over Mexico, America, and Canada.

 

WHERE TO SEE THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024?

If having the best seat in the house to witness the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse is important to you, then you’ll be lucky if you live in one of the 13 states that are in the path of totality. Those states include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Additionally, small portions of surrounding states like Tennessee and Michigan will also witness the totality of the eclipse. Of course, provinces in Canada and states in Mexico are in the path of totality, too. There are some incredible vacation spots within the path, each offering its own vantage points and local festivities. But before we get started on where to go, let’s get some logistics out of the way:

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PATH OF TOTALITY?

NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio – Beth Anthony, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Glad you asked. I’ll try to explain this cosmic show in the easiest way possible. The path of totality is the area where the full eclipse can be witnessed. For the upcoming event, the path will stretch for over 4,000 miles from northwest Mexico through the U.S. to portions of southeastern Canada. Additionally, the path will be approximately 100 miles wide, so you’ll need to be within the exact areas for the best seat in the house.
During the total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking out the light from the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. As this occurs, you can witness the outer edges of the sun’s atmosphere – the solar corona.
RamiroMarquezPhotos/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Moreover, there will be a shadow cast over the earth, transitioning the surface from day to night. If you’re in the path of totality, you might experience a sudden drop in temperature, as the light from the sun is interrupted. It’s an extraordinary display of celestial wonder unlike any other.
For folks who aren’t so lucky to live in the path of totality, a road trip should be in your future plans. You’ll need to select a location in advance to witness this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. Below is a list of some of the best cities in the path of totality to view the eclipse. Of course, there will be many festivals and events leading up to the big show.
Melanie J./OIYS
Without further ado, here are the best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse. And if all else fails, and you can’t make it to one of these prime locations, watch the total solar eclipse live on Space.com from the best seat inside your home.

TIPS FOR BEST VIEWING OF THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

I know you are excited to gaze at the skies on April 8, but before you head out for this sky-gazing adventure, let’s discuss some helpful tips that will make your experience memorable.

Backup locations: Once you decide on your viewing destination, have a second or a third location as a backup plan. Weather, crowd size, or other unforeseen hiccups can easily get in the way of your plans, and that would be unfortunate.

Casey Crocker/Google
Arrival Time: We recommend you plan ahead and arrive at your viewing spot hours in advance. Remember, millions of folks will be traveling to see the celestial show, too. Allow time for traffic and time to find the best location with the clearest view of the skies. As a reminder, totality only lasts for a few minutes, so you’ll want to arrive well in advance.
Safety, safety, safety: We can’t stress enough how important eye safety is during the big day. You must wear the proper ISO-rated safety glasses to view the eclipse. Sunglasses are NOT approved for viewing. If you’re in the path of totality, you can remove your safety glasses for a few minutes during full coverage. Then you can witness the sun’s corona in all its glory. Another key thing to remember is to wear sunblock, hats, and protective clothing, as you’ll be in the sun for an extended time. Also, bring lots of food and water as not all locations will have refreshments available.
NASA HQ PHOTO/flickr
Other tips: Book hotel rooms or vacation rentals outside of the cities that are in the line of totality. You’ll have a better chance of getting a room for this mini vacation. One last thing, feel free to bring your telescopes or binoculars to the event, but do not use them while the eclipse is in progress. They are safe to use ONLY before or after the eclipse is gone from your viewing area.

Have you decided where you’ll witness the 2024 total solar eclipse? What location on our list do you like the best? Whether you’re watching the eclipse from a mountain peak from a river valley or from your own backyard, be safe as you gaze at the phenomenal show. And remember, this once in a lifetime event will be truly spectacular, so you’ll want to plan in advance for the big day.

Well, gazers, now that you know everything about the Great North American Eclipse of 2024, have fun, raise your head to the skies, and enjoy the incredible show!