On Monday, April 8, a celestial spectacle is set to unfold as the moon obscures the sun for millions across North America. The eclipse’s path will stretch from Mexico, traverse the United States, and reach into Canada, offering a unique cosmic event for observers.
Dr. Nicholeen Viall, NASA’s Mission Scientist for PUNCH, explained that while everyone in the contiguous United States will witness a partial eclipse, fortunate individuals along the path of totality will experience the rare sight of the moon entirely blocking the sun’s disk.
Starting over the South Pacific, the eclipse will make landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast before journeying through states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Illinois. It will then sweep across the Northeast, touching parts of New York, Vermont, and Maine before entering Canada’s Ontario.
Throughout its trajectory, the eclipse promises a visual treat for residents of all 48 contiguous U.S. states, with even more expansive views for those within the path of totality. The event will conclude on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. Newfoundland Time.
Dr. Viall emphasized the significance of this cosmic event, highlighting its rarity and the accessibility for many to witness it firsthand. While total solar eclipses occur approximately every 18 months, the proximity of this event to densely populated areas amplifies its appeal and accessibility.