Total Solar Eclipse Today: What You Need to Know

Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, a day poised to be etched in the memories of many across the United States and beyond, thanks to the awe-inspiring natural spectacle known as the total solar eclipse. This event, aptly named the Great American Eclipse, promises an extraordinary display as it embarks on its journey across the continental U.S., beginning at 2:27 p.m. Eastern time. The eclipse’s path of totality, where the moon completely obscures the sun, will traverse from the southern reaches of Texas to the northern fringes of Maine, all within a 68-minute window. This path also weaves through various states, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, making it an event with widespread visibility. An estimated 34 million Americans find themselves directly under this path of totality, ensuring they experience the full majesty of the eclipse. However, the phenomenon isn’t exclusive to them; others throughout the nation, weather conditions permitting, will be treated to a partial eclipse. Such an event calls for the use of specialized viewing tools like eclipse glasses or DIY viewers (think pinhole projectors or even a colander) to safely enjoy the spectacle. It’s worth noting the...