Millions of Americans were treated to a spectacular sight on Monday, April 8, as a total solar eclipse graced the skies in parts of Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Despite some regions being obscured by clouds, some lucky sky-watchers were able to witness a totally eclipsed sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, marking the longest totality viewed from land since 2010—and the longest in the U.S. since 1806. A million Americans traveled into a narrow path of totality to witness the eclipse, which lasted for three to four minutes.
The moon partially eclipsed the sun across North America, but it was only within a 115-mile path of totality that onlookers were able to experience the awe-inspiring event. Eclipse chasers were treated to a sensory experience like no other, with darkness enveloping the day for a few minutes, temperatures dropping, strange animal behaviors, and the breathtaking view of the sun’s corona and the beautiful “diamond ring effect” around the moon for those with clear skies. Even for those with cloudy skies, the darkness was profound, and the experience was equally eerie.
The narrow path of totality crossed parts of Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, entering states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and many others. At the Mexico-U.S. border in Texas, totality lasted for an impressive 4 minutes and 26 seconds, surpassing the duration of any total solar eclipse in the U.S. since 1806. Historically, a total solar eclipse is rarely experienced twice in a lifetime in a specific location, with totality occurring only once every 366 years. However, some areas in Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky were lucky enough to witness two total solar eclipses within a short period in August 2017 and April 8.
For those who missed this event, the next total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. is set to occur on August 23, 2044, in Montana and South Dakota. Additionally, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies of 12 U.S. states from California to Florida on August 12, 2045. The next total solar eclipse in North America is scheduled for March 30, 2033, in Alaska. Eclipse enthusiasts can find more information about North America’s recent total solar eclipse by checking the main feed.
Overall, the total solar eclipse on April 8 provided a rare and unforgettable experience for millions of Americans, with some lucky individuals getting a clear view of the totally eclipsed sun for several minutes. The event brought a sense of wonder and amazement as darkness fell during the day, temperatures dropped, and the sun’s corona and the “diamond ring effect” were visible to those with clear skies. Although some regions were obstructed by clouds, the experience was equally eerie and memorable. The next total solar eclipse in North America is set to occur in 2033, offering another opportunity for sky-watchers to witness this celestial phenomenon.
