April 8, 2024, will be one of the most special days of the century for those in North America as a total solar eclipse speeds its way across the continent, starting in Mexico before traveling from Texas to Maine and then ending its land journey in Canada.
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is an exceptionally rare event in which the moon completely blocks the sun. How long it is blocked depends on a number of factors, including where in the path of totality you are. For this one, four minutes and 28 seconds will be its longest duration, which can be experienced in an area near Torreon, Mexico. However, totality will last around four minutes near its centerline for much of its path.
Where Should You Experience This?
Where you go to experience this eclipse also depends on a number of factors, most importantly where you are located. For example, if you live in Buffalo, N.Y., you actually do not have to go anywhere as the eclipse’s centerline goes right through downtown.
However, even in that case, you may want to consider using an SUV to view it somewhere else. For example, perhaps you would rather experience this in a more remote area. So, those who are in Buffalo or Rochester, another city that it will go through, may want to head somewhere between those cities.
And there are all of the people who are outside of the path of totality, which is not all that large, around 110-115 miles wide. They will need to go on a road trip, possibly an extensive one, especially those who are on the West Coast or in Florida.
So, consider where in the path of totality is most convenient for you to get to as well as what type of environment you want to be in. For example, would you and any who you are traveling with like to experience this by yourselves, or would you prefer to be amongst many others in a large city?
Another important reason why you may want to avoid big cities and use an SUV is because the experience will be enhanced with less light pollution. If aiming for one of these areas interests you, use the World Atlas Night Sky Brightness mapping tool.
Camping in your SUV
Those who decide to camp somewhere within the path of totality should consider using an SUV tent. It provides you with direct access to food and power while you prepare to experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Of course, if this describes you, make sure to also bring along other essentials, such as a sleeping bag, camp stove, portable coffee maker, sunblock and, if necessary, a park pass.
Importance of Eclipse Glasses
Regardless of where you experience this, you will want to, at a minimum, have eclipse glasses on hand to protect your eyes as the sun should not be observed directly. When it is hidden by the moon, it is safe to look at where the sun used to be and will return to but not otherwise.
Note that you can also get binoculars or telescopes that are filtered and designed for gazing at the sun.
What About Clouds?
With all of this said, the most important factor is the weather forecast, so being flexible should be high on your list of considerations. If where you had initially planned on ends up being cloudy that day but a nearby area is clear, you will want to have the flexibility to change your plans and go there instead.
Although a total solar eclipse is still a memorable experience on a cloudy day, it is less so. However, if this does end up impacting you, do remember all of the positives that you will still experience, such as how dark it will get and how it will look like a 360-degree sunset, along the horizon in all directions.
