A total solar eclipse photographed in France in 1999.
Mark your calendars now because in two years a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event will pass over the United States.
TheGreat North American Solar Eclipsea total lunar solar eclipsewill cut a path of fleeting shadow from Mexico to Canada.
A total solar eclipse photographed in France in 1999. (Photo:Luc ViatourviaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Annual eclipses are partial eclipses where the Moon is too far from Earth to block all the light.
A total solar eclipse, however, is rarer.
One occurs about every 18 months.
Path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. (Photo:GreatAmericanEclipse.Com)
A small portion of Earth dramatically falls into shadow, and this shadow moves across the planet.
This darkness has only fallen on the United States 21 times since the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The lasttotal eclipseto cross the United States was in2017.
Special glasses are necessary for viewing a solar eclipse. (Photo: NACHOROCA/Depositphotos)
Millionsreportedviewing the celestial phenomenon.
It was the first total eclipse over the nation in 40 years.
After the upcomingeclipse in 2024, the next one will not occur in the U.S. until 2045.
Geometry of a total solar eclipse. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Hotels in regions within the path of the eclipse are expected to fill up quick.
You will see a partial eclipse.
No matter where you are, you will need solar eclipse glasses.
NASA’s rendering of the eclipse path. (Photo:NASA)
Staring directly at the Sun during an eclipse is very dangerous and can permanently damage your eyes.
Solar eclipse glasses should be approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
TheAmerican Astronomical Societyhas compiled a helpful list of quality vendors to meet your eclipse needs.
21st-century eclipses passing over North America. (Photo:GreatAmericanEclipse.Com)
Path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
(Photo:GreatAmericanEclipse.Com)
A total eclipse is a rare event in any given location.
Special glasses are necessary for viewing a solar eclipse.
(Photo: NACHOROCA/Depositphotos)
The next to cross the United States will not occur until 2045.
Geometry of a total solar eclipse.
NASA’s rendering of the eclipse path.
(Photo:NASA)
The eclipse is one of nature’s greatest showsdon’t miss it!
21st-century eclipses passing over North America.
