海角社区

Updated April 7, 2024 at 4:14 PM ET

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

, totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be from across the 海角社区 Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about

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As , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona 鈥� that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection () can be harmful to your eyes.

As "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse 鈥� except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, with things you have around the house ( back in 2017!)

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some 海角社区 Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas
The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible in to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out
• Dallas: Explore
• Austin: Head to

Arkansas
The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out for local resources.

Kentucky

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from mania to the about the celestial event. Keep an eye on for the latest local updates.

Missouri
The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Head tofor local coverage and resources.

Illinois

seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality . For resources from across the state, check out.

Indiana
A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out
• Indianapolis:
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, for the Allen County area

Ohio
The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania
Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. has more from across the region.

New York
Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to for the latest
• Syracuse: has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont
The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely.

New Hampshire

The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television.

Maine
The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

With the ease of , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As , "For starters, you'll need to wear or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious?

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reisingin the state for this year's eclipse.

As former 海角社区 reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on to enjoy

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors?
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view?
• Tips from Bill Nye

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海角社区 will be from across the 海角社区 Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.

海角社区's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

Copyright 2024 海角社区. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.