April 8 will provide millions of Americans with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the chance to witness a total solar eclipse without leaving home. Nearly 31 million Americans will be on the total solar eclipse path of totality. Millions of others will be within a short drive of the path of totality. You may have seen a lot of news coverage leading up to the big day but still might need clarification on the hype. Don't worry! Almost everything you need to know about the solar eclipse is here. What is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse happens when the moon gets directly in between the Earth and the sun. Essentially, the moon is casting its shadow on the Earth. These events can only ever happen during the new moon phase. A lunar cycle takes 29.5 days, but solar eclipses don't always happen during new moons. Usually, the moon's shadow goes just above or just below the earth. But on April 8, the shadow will go directly over parts of North America
April 8 will provide millions of Americans with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the chance to witness a total solar eclipse without leaving home.
For most Americans, they will get to view — with proper eye protection — a partial solar eclipse. That is when the moon blocks some of the sun's light, but not all. Many major Northeastern U.S. cities can witness over 80% of the sun's light being blocked by the moon. Totality will last anywhere from a few seconds to just over four minutes, depending on how close to the center of the path of totality you are. How rare are total solar eclipses?
Those in the center of the shadow will also experience the most extended duration of totality. Those in the middle of totality will get over four minutes. "The reason we chose Fredericksburg is because it's got pretty good weather prospects," he said."It's right in the center of the path, but another key factor about Fredericksburg is its six highways radiating out of that gem. So if eclipse morning presents patchy clouds, we've got six directions that we could choose to relocate."
Solar Eclipse Americans Totality Moon Shadow New Moon North America
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Affordable Connectivity Program for free internet service ending in April for millions of AmericansMore than 23 million American households are at risk of losing internet service because the federal program which offers free or discounted access is running out of money.
Read more »
Millions of Americans to Witness Rare Total Solar EclipseMillions of Americans along the path of totality will watch as the moon moves in front of the sun, blocking all daylight for as much as four minutes in some areas. This rare spectacle will be visible in more places and will be twice as long as the 2017 eclipse.
Read more »
Millions of Americans to Witness Rare Total Solar EclipseMillions of Americans along the path of totality will watch as the moon moves in front of the sun, blocking all daylight for as much as four minutes in some areas. This rare spectacle will be visible in more places and will be twice as long as the 2017 eclipse.
Read more »
The Great American Eclipse: Millions of Americans to Experience Total Solar EclipseMonday's total eclipse of the sun, known as the Great American Eclipse, will pass through populated areas of the United States, leaving 32 million Americans in 15 states briefly in the dark. This rare event occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. Solar eclipse maps and information on the best viewing locations are available.
Read more »
Millions of Americans Prepare to Witness Total Solar EclipseMillions of Americans are excited to witness the total solar eclipse, with many outside the path of totality also interested in making this event a special memory. The pandemic has increased the desire for social connectivity and creating moments with loved ones.
Read more »
Americans Prepare for the April 8 Total Solar EclipseMeteorologists are increasingly confident in models that show some parts of the country looking golden for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8. However, other parts of the country may end up in a cloudy bust due to the volatility of changing seasons and the El Niño pattern.
Read more »