Seven years after an estimated 12 million people experienced the rare two-minute solar eclipse in 2017, dubbed the "Great American Eclipse," astronomy enthusiasts, who donned special glasses to see the event, can mark their calendars for a return appearance.
On April 8, 2024, the moon will block the sun for a maximum of 4 minutes 28 seconds as seen from within the track of the moon's shadow. That 120 miles-wide 'path of totality' will cross parts of Mexico, the U.S., and Canada in 139 minutes and will be known as the "Great North American Eclipse."
Although it's fun to experience some darkness during the day, the real prize when viewing a total solar eclipse is to witness when the moon blocks the sun to reveal its spiky ice-white corona.
To experience that incredibly rare moment in 2024 means being inside the 'path of totality' in Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila in Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and tiny regions of Tennessee and Michigan in the U.S, and Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland in Canada.
Below is some more insight from experts on exactly what to expect.
Is the 'Great North American Eclipse' Going to Be Busy?
The 2024 eclipse could be watched by 50 million people.
"There will be many more eclipse-chasers than in 2017," says Dan McGlaun, who runs Eclipse2024.org and has developed an incredible eclipse simulator, also on Youtube that shows exactly what you'll see on the day from 40,000 towns and cities. "2017 created a lot of eclipse-chasers and, besides, a lot of people will take the opportunity to see a total eclipse if it comes to them."
The geography of the 2024 eclipse also makes it easier to travel to given its wide path.
"About 32 million Americans live inside the path of the 2024 eclipse compared with 12 million in the 2017 path," says Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer in New Mexico who runs GreatAmericanEclipse.com and co-authored the recently published Field Guide to the 2023 and 2024 eclipses. "The nation's densely populated northeast metropolitan areas of New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, St. Louis lie within a two or three-hour drive of totality."
Where Are the Best Places to Watch the 'Great North American Eclipse'?
There are some incredible places to experience totality, from Niagara Falls on the U.S-Canada border to cities including Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Dallas.
However, the biggest consideration when planning where to go shouldn't be geography, but the weather. The places with the best chance of clear skies during April are Mazatlán, Nazas, and Torreón in Mexico, and Texas in the U.S.
"Weather prospects for the Great Lakes and New England are less than desirable," says Zeiler. "Given the weather odds, Mexico and Texas will be the magnet for millions of smart eclipse chasers."
He also points out that while San Antonio and Austin are within the path of total eclipse, they're right on the edge of the path, so Texans living in those cities are advised to drive an hour or so to the north or west to get over four minutes inside the shadow of the Moon.
It will be worth it.
"The 2024 eclipse will be a different experience—the sky will get darker compared to the 2017 eclipse because of the longer duration," McGlaun said. "And oh my gosh, the second time really is just as cool!"
Jamie Carter is editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.
Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
A total solar eclipse is set to occur April 8, 2024. If you want to stake out your spot and be dazzled by the show, you’ll want to know exactly where totality will be visible. With any luck, you might live in an area where you don’t have to travel, or at least travel too far. Otherwise, you’ve got plenty of time to make your travel plans to experience this phenomenon. But don’t wait too long as many others are likely to do the same. From Mazatlan, Mexico to Canada’s easternmost province of Newfoundland, here’s where you’ll want to be.
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Mazatlan, Mexico
The Moon’s umbra will touch the Mexican coast less than 12 miles southeast of Mazatlan at 12:07 p.m. Mexican Pacific Daylight Time. As a tourist destination, this is expected to be a prime spot with lots of other things to see and do. It boasts over 17 miles of long, gorgeous sandy beaches with warm sapphire waters and a restored boardwalk for taking it all in. This city is renowned for its glorious sunsets, best viewed right from the beach, and it also has an intriguing Centro Historico [Old Town] with cobbled lanes and gardens, centered around Plazuela Machada.
Kerrville, Texas
Just an hour from San Antonio, Kerrville will be in the heart of the totality with an additional minute of umbral darkness occurring at 13:32. Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, it offers picturesque views of rolling hills while the Guadalupe River runs right through downtown. There are a number of parks that sit along its banks and the opportunity to hike or bike along 10+ miles of trails with full access to the water, which is popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. With frequent events hosted here, including arts and crafts fairs, live music concerts, and festivals, there are bound to be some fun eclipse-related activities too as well as plenty to things to do and see around the big event.
Sulphur Springs, Texas
Sulphur Springs is easily reached lying along Interstate 30 about 80 miles northeast of Dallas. While it’s a relatively small town, it offers many great open areas for viewing, including Coleman Lake and Park with waterfalls and trails to explore. Just 15 miles north, Cooper Lake State Park is another great option with an almost 20,000-acre lake and 2,500 acres of land. You might even rent a boat and observe the eclipse right from the water, with totality occurring here at 12:25 Central Daylight Time. The town itself has a main street with a community theater and a wine tasting room, along with some interesting museums like Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park, which includes 17 historical buildings.
Russellville, Arkansas
Totality hits Russellville, Arkansas at 13:50, bringing the chance to view the longest total eclipse possible in the state. Enjoy the small-town vibe with friendly people and outdoor activities at Mount Nebo or Lake Dardanelle state parks. Mount Nebo is a flat-topped mountain rising 1,350 feet above the surrounding valley, making it an ideal viewing spot just a short drive from town. Enjoy 14 miles of hiking and biking trails along with panoramic views of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
The largest city in southeastern Missouri, Cape Girardeau will experience totality at 12:41. It sits along the banks of the Mississippi River and has a rich, over 250-year-long history, that includes the likes of Mark Twain, Lewis and Clark, and Ulysses S. Grant. Historic Old Town Cape houses a charming array of restaurants, boutiques, and historic landmarks. Discover a treasure trove of antique stores, world-class theater, murals, and more. Walks along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and a stroll across the four remaining covered bridges in the state are possible too.
Indianapolis, Indiana
The umbra will cover a significant swath of Indiana, but Indianapolis will be the center of it all, with totality occurring at 15:07 Eastern Daylight Time. There are plenty of other things for visitors to enjoy here too. Check out the Indianapolis Hall of Fame Museum and travel over 150 mph in an Indy car at the famed Indianapolis Speedway, explore the Indianapolis Zoo, and enjoy Mass Ave, a five-block area filled with art galleries, restaurants, theaters, a wealth of eclectic, independent boutiques and quirky shops. In the Lockerbie Square Historic District, you’ll find impeccably preserved Queen Anne and Italianate-style architecture.
Cleveland, Ohio
Many eclipse chasers will be descending on Cleveland with a wide range of things to see and do. You’ll want to arrive a couple of days early or plan to stay after totality hits at 15:13 Eastern Daylight Time. It’s home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the impressive Cleveland Natural History Museum. Explore unique architecture in the Historic Warehouse District, stroll through the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and sample delicious culinary eats at the West Side Market. There’s plenty of green space here too with Cleveland Metroparks spanning over 23,000 acres.
Erie, Pennsylvania
The only large city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that will be graced by the presence of the umbra is Erie with totality at 15:16. It lies along the shores of the Great Lake bearing its name, 130 miles north of Pittsburgh. Visitors can also enjoy Presque Isle State Park which sits on a sandy peninsula jutting into the lake offering 21 miles of trails for hiking and biking, more than a dozen beaches for swimming, and opportunities for bird watching and boating. Enjoy the famously colorful sunsets from here or Liberty Park, touring 20+ unique wineries within a 15-minute drive, and digging into plenty of tasty eats.
Niagara Falls, New York
One of the most appealing spots to enjoy the solar eclipse has to be Niagara Falls. You’ll get one of the best perspectives from the Terrapin Point overlook, where the sun will hang in the sky right over the powerful cascades, with totality at 15:18 Eastern Daylight Time. Niagara Falls State Park is where you’ll find the falls and five islands in the Niagara River, covering 400 acres with picnic areas, nature trails, and plenty of scenic photo-ops. The Aquarium of Niagara is worth a visit with over 200 marine mammal species, penguin feeds, harbor seal presentations and a sea lion show.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is considered a gateway city to Niagara Falls, just 25 minutes away, so if you’re looking for big-city amenities a short drive from the waterfalls, you’ll find plenty here while enjoying totality at 15:18. Located at the eastern end of Lake Erie at the head of the Niagara River, it’s jam-packed with museums, restaurants, and nightlife venues. Gaze up at impressive architecture and take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s multi-structure Martin House complex in the Parkside neighborhood. There’s a revitalized waterfront area and a thriving brewery culture to enjoy too.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, with its copious things to do and cute bed and breakfasts, is among the top cities for witnessing the total solar eclipse, with totality at 15:26 Eastern Daylight Time. It sits along Lake Champlain and from the top of Mount Mansfield, you’ll have one of the best vantage points for viewing. Enjoy Waterfront Park and glorious sunsets with the landscapes transformed as pink and purple hues are splashed over the Adirondacks. There are hiking trails in nearby Mt. Philo State Park and the Church Street Marketplace is a car-free zone that’s ideal for shopping, dining, and watching street performers.
Rangeley, Maine
The Rangeley Lakes region is made up of six major lakes and hundreds of smaller lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams that lie below Saddleback Mountain. It includes the small town of Rangeley, Moosehead Lake, and Baxter State Park, with totality occurring at 15:29 Eastern Daylight Time. Enjoy a scenic drive on the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and gorgeous views of Rangeley Lake and the mountains from Whip Willow Farm Overlook. If the snow has melted, you can take advantage of multiple hikes ranging from short and easy nature walks to challenging treks. Keep an eye out for moose as this is one of the best areas in the country for viewing the majestic animals.
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Eclipse enthusiasts who plan on heading to New Brunswick will want to seal their plans as soon as possible for a prime viewing experience, as this province is sure to draw big crowds for experiencing the 100 percent totality here at 16:33 Atlantic Daylight Time. The capital city of Fredericton will be one of the best places to watch, set along the St. John River. In its Historic Garrison District, an 18th-century British army base, visitors can watch a Changing of the Guard ceremony. There are artist studios to explore and both international and Canadian works to check out at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Walking and biking trails along the river banks will bring you to within a block of the main street, and many hotel rooms offer spectacular views of the water.
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
One of the most scenic places to enjoy the Great North American Eclipse, it will be visible in its entirety from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia which will experience four minutes of darkness at 16:40. Before and after, enjoy the stunning landscapes that include postcard-perfect beaches, pretty harbors, lighthouses, and lush mountains contrasted by bright blue waters. There are many charming towns with eateries that serve fresh-from-the-Atlantic lobster and the famous 185-mile-long route that winds along seaside cliffs. Completing a loop on this road around the island’s northern tip before passing through the Cape Breton Highlands, is one of the world’s most breathtaking drives.
Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
In April, the weather is beginning to warm on the Newfoundland coast and you might even see the icebergs that float in from Greenland. At 17:13 in the small town of Bonavista, totality will occur, making it a great place to be for many reasons. Visit the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, one of the few remaining lighthouses in the world where you can still climb the stone tower and see the same seal oil-fueled light used in the 19th century while enjoying a fantastic view.