In a mere seven years, Americans cleared their schedules and packed their bags in pursuit of witnessing a total solar eclipse, a celestial phenomenon deemed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The 2017 eclipse was the first to traverse the entire United States in a century, with millions of people flocking to witness the spectacle. Fast forward to today, and news of another total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 cutting through North America may have left some scratching their heads. But fear not, skeptics – the 2024 eclipse is not a false alarm.
According to physicist Jenna Samra of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the upcoming eclipse will offer a different experience from its predecessor. Lasting longer, appearing darker, and showcasing a more elaborate corona resembling a pointy crown around the moon, the 2024 eclipse promises to be a sight to behold. Samra emphasized that while solar eclipses are not necessarily rare occurrences, what makes them unique is their location on Earth.
Scheduled to begin on Mexico’s Pacific coast at 11:07 a.m. PT, the moon’s shadow will travel across the United States from Texas to Maine, eventually entering Canada and concluding on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland at 5:16 p.m. NDT. Unlike the 2017 eclipse, the 2024 event is expected to last longer, with the shadow spanning 122 miles and providing up to four minutes and 27 seconds of total sun coverage.
The 2024 eclipse is anticipated to appear darker due to its wider path of totality, allowing observers to witness more stars against the backdrop. Additionally, the corona is expected to have a spikier appearance, reflecting the sun’s position in its 11-year solar cycle. This heightened solar activity is likely to result in a more dynamic and visually striking corona during the eclipse.
With an estimated 31 million residents living in the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse, experts predict that this event may become the most-viewed astronomical phenomenon in American history. While solar eclipses may not be as rare as once believed, the 2024 eclipse offers a unique opportunity for millions to witness this awe-inspiring celestial event right in their own backyards.