On April 8, 2024, many lucky people will have the opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse. However, to fully admire this extraordinary celestial spectacle, it is important to be in the right place.
A highly anticipated phenomenon
A total solar eclipse is an astronomical event in which the moon passes between the Earth and our star, completely blocking its light. Only its outer atmosphere, the corona, is visible. When this happens, part of our planet suddenly finds itself again plunged into darkness in broad daylight. The duration of a total solar eclipse can vary, but it usually lasts a few minutes.
The next event of this kind will take place on April 8th. Unfortunately it will not be visible from France. The entire solar eclipse will be visible in one band from northwestern Mexico to southeastern Canada and through the United States. This total path will have an average width of 183 kilometers. Apart from that, observers will see a partial solar eclipse. This phase will be visible throughout North, Central and South America.
Within this band it will be possible to observe the solar eclipse for a maximum duration of 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
Photo credit: DurkTalsma/istock
Where can you watch the event?
As a reminder, observing the Sun during a solar eclipse must be done safely. Therefore, it is necessary to use special filters to protect your eyes. Cameras, telescopes and other binoculars must also be equipped with them.
For those interested and affected, the path of totality will lead through several regions, including:
- Northern Mexico : States of Sinaloa, Nayarit, Durango, Chihuahua and Coahuila.
- South Central USA : States of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky.
- Midwestern United States : States of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.
- Northeastern United States : States of Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
- Canada : Provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
The path of totality crosses the United States on April 8, 2024. Image credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio
The next total solar eclipse on the North American continent is not expected until 2045. As for France, the next one will take place… September 3, 2081.
As a reminder, the last total solar eclipse visible from France took place on August 11, 1999. The event attracted many astronomers and amateur observers. Since then we have had the opportunity to experience several more solar eclipses, although only partial ones.