The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many Americans. Total solar eclipses are extremely rare and often occur in inaccessible regions of the world. During the eclipse, the moon will completely cover the sun, casting a shadow on the surface of the Earth. The path of this shadow is known as the "path of totality."
Viewing the eclipse from the path of totality is a visceral and surreal experience. The moon blocking the sun will appear as a "hole in the sky," while your surroundings on Earth will appear similar to nighttime. The next total solar eclipse over the East Coast or Midwest will not happen again until 2078.
Since looking at the sun can cause eye damage, you will need authentic eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse.