Question 1

What will happen during the total solar eclipse?

Accepted Answer

A total solar eclipse is the result of the moon passing between the sun and the Earth, blocking all sunlight in a particular path. Darkness will last for just a few moments, but a lot more will happen during totality. The temperature will drop, streetlights may briefly flicker on, and birds and plants will even act unusually. The corona, or the sun’s atmosphere, will be visible, tracing magnetic field lines. Crescent-shaped rays of light can be spotted on the ground. You can also expect the sky to shine in other ways. Stars, planets and even a comet will be visible during the total solar eclipse. Venus will be the brightest object, but sky watchers may also be able to point out Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. Mercury will be visible but will appear faint. People will also have a rare opportunity to faintly see comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, which orbits the sun every 71 years. There’s a slew of reasons why traveling to experience totality is worth it.

Question 2

Where is the solar eclipse path of totality?

Accepted Answer

The eclipse will sweep across the United States from Texas to Maine, passing through several major cities, including Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and Burlington, Vt. The path of totality is approximately 115 miles wide, and over half of the country’s population lives within 250 miles of it. If you’re traveling for the eclipse, we spoke with locals to create a guide for what to do in multiple cities when you’re not busy watching the skies.

Question 3

What will the eclipse look like near me?

Accepted Answer

Even if you don’t live in the path of totality, you can still expect at least some of the sun to be obscured by the moon. That amount will vary widely depending on where you are — luckily, we have a customizable map that can show you what to expect in your city. The other key factor that will determine your view is cloud cover. Clearer skies will provide an uninterrupted watching experience, while more clouds make it more likely the event could be obscured. Historically, Texas and more southern regions in the United States have had the best chances of being cloud-free. Our eclipse cloud cover forecasts are updating daily with what to expect.

Question 4

What will traffic be like during the eclipse?

Accepted Answer

Millions of Americans are expected to travel into the path of totality, so be prepared and expect traffic delays and gridlock on major roads before and after the eclipse. Some places have been planning for eclipse visitors for over a year — like the state of New York, which appointed an “eclipse czar” to maximize tourism while avoiding disaster. One other concern officials are warning travelers to prepare for: possible temporary cellular network disruptions, particularly in cities where lots of people are expected to be.

Question 5

Do I need special eclipse glasses? Where do I get them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Looking at the sun with a naked eye is always dangerous, but normally its brightness triggers a pain response that prevents you from doing so. An eclipse temporarily blocks the wavelengths that trigger pain, but it doesn’t stop damage to the eye. You can buy eclipse glasses from a variety of vendors, both in person and online. The main thing you want to ensure is that your glasses have the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 code on the inside. The American Astronomical Society keeps a list of trusted manufacturers and vendors. Check out our full eclipse glasses guide for tips on how to find a pair and how to identify fakes.

Question 6

Can you take a picture of the solar eclipse?

Accepted Answer

Taking good photos of practically anything in space can be tricky, especially with a phone. But luckily, photographing a total eclipse is easier than you might expect if you’re properly prepared with the right tools ahead of time. With a few simple pieces of equipment like a tripod and solar filter, you can use your smartphone to capture memorable snapshots of the experience. This solar eclipse photography guide walks through what you’ll need, how to set up your phone ahead of time and what to do in the moment.

Question 7

How long will the eclipse last?

Accepted Answer

The eclipse’s duration depends on where you are. The longest stretch of darkness in the path of totality is in the center and decreases toward the outer edges. The longest period of totality will occur in Torreón, Mexico, lasting for 4 minutes and 28 seconds, but many major U.S. cities will get about 4 minutes of darkness. That may not sound like much, but compared with other eclipses, it’s actually quite a while. During the last total solar eclipse, in 2017, the area around Carbondale, Ill., experienced the longest period of darkness — but that was only 2 minutes and 42 seconds.

Question 8

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

Accepted Answer

Every 18 months or so, the moon blocks out the sun’s light completely somewhere on Earth. But many eclipses happen in remote parts of the world, and it’s pretty rare that everything aligns perfectly for American viewers. The last time a total solar eclipse passed the United States was in 2017, but before that, we hadn’t seen one since 1979. After April 8, it will be about two decades before another one is visible from the United States. And while none of us has to worry about this in our lifetimes, total solar eclipses will eventually be impossible as the moon creeps farther away from Earth.

Your ultimate guide to the total solar eclipse, its path and how to watch

2024 total solar eclipse