Solar Eclipse of April 8th, 2024: Time, Path, and Recommendations

Our nation’s skies are preparing for the astronomical spectacle of the year. This coming Monday, April 8th, 2024, just after noon, the Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth, causing a total solar eclipse. This shadow will cause darkness that will last for up to four and a half minutes. The phenomenon will be visible in a band about 200 kilometers wide that will begin its journey in the Mexican Pacific, cross the center of the United States and end in the Atlantic after crossing the eastern part of Canada.

Best Locations to Watch the Solar Eclipse

Within the vast geography of Mexico, the following cities stand out as privileged observation points for this phenomenon. The path of totality, where the Moon will completely cover the Sun, will enter the national territory through Mazatlán, Sinaloa, and continue through the cities of Nazas, Lerdo, Durango and Gómez Palacio (Durango); as well as Torreón, Cuatro Ciénegas, Monclova, Ciudad Acuña and Piedras Negras (Coahuila).

In the rest of the country, the phenomenon will be visible as a partial eclipse, with the Moon’s shadow covering more or less the sunlight. For example, in Puerto Vallarta and the Banderas Bay region, the proximity to the path of totality will result in 96 percent coverage of sunlight.

The last time a total solar eclipse was observed in our country was on July 11th, 1991, and it generated great interest and commitment to learn about such phenomena and to take measures to safely enjoy this natural spectacle.

Total Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align so that the Earth’s shadow is projected onto the Moon or the Moon onto the Earth. When the order in the line is Sun-Earth-Moon, it is a lunar eclipse. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun in its orbit around the Earth, so the order of alignment is Sun-Moon-Earth.

Recommendations

If you plan to witness this astronomical event, remember to take precautions. Never look directly at the Sun without proper protection, as this can seriously damage your eyes. Use certified eclipse glasses or project the image of the Sun onto a flat surface with a telescope or binoculars. Also, choose a location with minimal light pollution and a wide view of the sky for the best experience.

The solar eclipse of April 8th, 2024, promises to be an unforgettable experience, and Vallarta · Nayarit will be a great place to appreciate it.

Photo by Drew Rae.