US Prepares for First Total Solar Eclipse in Seven Years

The United States is gearing up for its first total solar eclipse in seven years, set to occur on April 8. This celestial event will also be visible in parts of Canada and Mexico.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun’s face and causing the sky to darken. The path of totality, where the entire eclipse will be visible, will pass through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small regions in Michigan and Tennessee will also witness the full eclipse. However, all 48 states in the contiguous US will experience a partial eclipse.

The timing of the eclipse varies across each state as it moves along its path of totality. For example:

• Dallas, Texas: Totality begins at 1:40 p.m. CDT and ends at 1:44 p.m. CDT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Totality starts at 1:45 p.m. CDT and ends at 1:49 p.m. CDT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Totality begins at 1:51 p.m. CDT and ends at 1:54 p.m. CDT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Totality starts at 1:56 p.m. CDT and ends at 2:00 p.m. CDT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Totality begins at 2:00 p.m. CDT and ends at 2:02 p.m. CDT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Totality starts at 1:59 p.m. CDT and ends at 2:03 p.m. CDT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Totality begins at 2:02 p.m. CDT and ends at 2:05 p.m. CDT.
• Cleveland, Ohio: Totality starts at 3:13 p.m. EDT and ends at 3:17 p.m. EDT.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Totality begins at 3:16 p.m. EDT and ends at 3:20 p.m. EDT.
• Buffalo, New York: Totality starts at 3:18 p.m. EDT and ends at 3:22 p.m. EDT.
• Burlington, Vermont: Totality begins at 3:26 p.m. EDT and ends at 3:29 p.m. EDT.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Totality starts at 3:27 p.m. EDT and ends at 3:30 p.m. EDT.
• Caribou, Maine: Totality begins at 3:32 p.m. EDT and ends at 3:34 p.m. EDT.

To observe the eclipse safely, NASA recommends using proper solar viewing glasses. These glasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. During a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun, you can briefly remove your glasses to view the event directly. However, before and after totality, it’s crucial to wear the glasses at all times.

Several organizations will livestream the eclipse for those unable to view it in person. NASA will host an official livestream from 1 p.m. EDT to 4 p.m. EDT, while Space.com will provide coverage on YouTube. The Exploratorium will offer a livestream from Junction, Texas, and Torreón, Mexico, with a Spanish-speaking option. The National Science Foundation and Time and Date will also provide live coverage.

For those in need of eclipse glasses, several retailers are selling them, including Amazon, Lowes, and Walmart. Additionally, some businesses are offering free glasses:

• Warby Parker: Free glasses at all locations from April 1 to April 8.
• Boost Mobile: Free glasses at select locations across the country.
• MyEyeDr.: Free glasses at over 400 locations nationwide.
• Smoothie King: Free glasses with the purchase of an “Eclipse Berry Blitz” smoothie in Texas, New York, Arkansas, Indiana, and Ohio.
• Jeni’s Ice Cream: Free glasses with any online purchase from the “Punk Stargonaut” collection through April 3.
• Sonic: Free glasses with the purchase of an eclipse-themed “Blackout Slush Float” on the day of the eclipse.

NASA is also offering an interactive eclipse tracker for real-time monitoring of the eclipse’s path across states and countries.