On April 8, 2024, many skywatchers in the United States will be able to see a total Solar Eclipse for a few minutes. So much so that this April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse will be the last total Solar Eclipse observed in the USA in more than 20 years.

As primary co-locations for NASA total Solar Eclipse; Kerrville, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Cleveland, Ohio. “Each location will provide a group viewing area for the public. Additional places can be added. “A description has been added as well.

NASA's live stream will include coverage from these locations. The broadcast will feature the eclipse front-row, and NASA experts around the country will explain the science behind the eclipse, how NASA worked it out, and celebrate with the communities who lived it. NASA experts will be onsite at these locations to interact with the public and share NASA's methods of studying the Sun and use this information to understand its impact on Earth, our solar system and beyond.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. People watching the eclipse from where the Moon completely covers the Sun - known as the path of totality - will experience a breathtaking view of a total solar eclipse.

For the Solar Eclipse, the path of totality runs from Mexico to the United States and Canada. Many viewers off the path of totality - including all 48 contiguous states, plus parts of Hawaii and Alaska - will see a partial eclipse where the Moon covers part of the Sun.

RINGED KEEP

If you, like me, cannot wait for the 2024 eclipse, another Solar Eclipse will be visible from the United States on October 14, 2023. This eclipse, called an annular solar eclipse, happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but at or near its furthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther from the Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk above a larger, bright disk, creating what appears to be a glowing ring around the Moon.

An annular solar eclipse, which will appear as a ring of fire, will be visible in the United States, Mexico and many countries in South and Central America. A partial eclipse will also be visible from all 48 states in the United States, as well as parts of Alaska and Hawaii. NASA will broadcast the annular solar eclipse from Albuquerque, New Mexico and Kerrville, Texas.

The way to safely view the 2023 total solar eclipse is different from the 2023 annular eclipse in the United States. It is not safe to look directly at the Sun without special eye protection to watch the sun, except during the short total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely obscures the bright face of the Sun. During this October's annular eclipse, and when the Sun is not completely obscured by the Moon in April 2024, viewers should wear special eye protection during the entire period or use alternative viewing methods such as a pinhole projector.

 

Source: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/