A complete solar eclipse is set for Monday, April 8, 2024. This cosmic event will be visible throughout North America and has been named the Grand North American Eclipse by certain media outlets. During a solar eclipse, the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, causing the Sun to temporarily disappear from view on Earth. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon appears larger than the Sun, completely blocking out direct sunlight and turning daylight into darkness. Total darkness, known as totality, can only be witnessed along a specific narrow strip on the Earth's surface, while a partial solar eclipse can be seen in a wider area spanning thousands of kilometers. Click this link to view the estimated times of totality by location (will open in separate tab).
This upcoming eclipse marks the initial complete solar eclipse that can be seen in Canadian provinces after February 26, 1979. In Mexico, this event will be the first since July 11, 1991, while in the United States, it will be the initial occurrence since August 21, 2017. Notably, it will be the sole complete solar eclipse in the 21st century where totality will be observable in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Furthermore, this eclipse signifies the final total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States until August 23, 2044.
