A Rare Total Solar Eclipse Set to Darken the Skies of North America
On April 8, a total solar eclipse is expected to pass over North America, darkening the sky for more than four minutes. This rare phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth perfectly line up, with the moon blocking the sunlight.
The path of totality will stretch across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with an estimated 44 million people living inside the path. Those outside the path will still be able to witness a partial eclipse.
NASA anticipates that the eclipse will last four minutes and 28 seconds. The next coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in the United States is not expected until 2045, making this event a must-see for skywatchers.
It is important to remember not to look directly at the sun during the eclipse without special eclipse glasses. The event will have several stages, including the partial eclipse, Baily’s Beads, and the Diamond Ring effect.
The next total solar eclipse in 2026 will be observable in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. North America will experience totality again in 2033 and 2044 before the next coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in the US in 2045.
Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon in the skies of North America on April 8.
