Another solar eclipse is coming, and this time Texas will be in the path of totality.
The next solar eclipse to occur in the United States will take place on April 8, 2024. Today, the path of totality went in a horizontal line across the nation, reaching from coast to coast. The 2024 eclipse will be a more vertical arc, going from South Texas up to Maine within the U.S.
How common are solar eclipses?
Given that the last time the contiguous 48 experienced a total solar eclipse was 1979, you might think that they’re pretty rare. According to NASA, however, solar eclipses happen pretty often, we are just not always in their path. When solar eclipses do cross the US, we don’t always get to see the total eclipse. In fact, the last time a total eclipse was visible from sea to shining sea like it was today, was nearly 100 years ago, in 1918. There have been many partial solar eclipses visible in parts of the United States throughout the years.
What is the path of totality?
Most of the U.S. saw a partial eclipse today. However, people living in a narrow cross-section of the country got to see the total eclipse, meaning the shadow of the moon fully covered the sun. The total eclipse lasts only for a few minutes. During that time, the sun’s rays are still visible around the shadow of the moon, so it doesn’t get completely dark. The amount of light visible during a total solar eclipse is similar to dusk.
What cities will be in the path of totality in the 2024 eclipse?
In Texas, parts of Waco, Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio will be within the path of totality. In addition, Uvalde, Kerrville, Killeen, Temple, Tyler and Texarkana will experience totality or near totality. If you want to see exactly where the total eclipse will occur, check out this map.