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Sun Blocked

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On April 8, millions of Americans will have their eyes on the sky. They’ll watch an incredible disappearing act called a total solar eclipse. This phenomenon occurs when the moon moves between Earth and the sun, blocking nearly all the sun’s light. For a few minutes, the day will seem to turn to night.

Total solar eclipses happen on Earth about once every year and a half. But they don’t always occur where people can see them. This year’s total eclipse will be the first that will be visible in the U.S. since 2017.

People in what’s called the path of totality will see the total solar eclipse for about four minutes. In the U.S., it will first be visible at about 1:30 p.m. Central Time near Eagle Pass, Texas. Over the next hour, the giant shadow will move northeast, passing through parts of 14 other states (see map).

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

The total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.

About 32 million Americans live in the path of totality. As many as 4 million more are expected to travel to the area to experience darkness during the daytime.

People who aren’t in the path of totality will be able to see a partial eclipse. This is when some or most of the sun’s light is blocked. The partial eclipse will be visible, to some degree, throughout the lower 48 states. In New York City, for example, about 90 percent of the sun will be blocked. About 20 percent will be covered in Seattle, Washington.

So don’t forget to look up on April 8! Just make sure to protect your eyes. You should never look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. Grab a pair of special eclipse glasses and watch this rare event. The next total solar eclipse in the lower 48 states won’t take place until 2044. 

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