Capture of the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, taken from Madras, Oregon. Credit: NASA/GopalswamyOn April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will happen over North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Parts of Massachusetts, like Dorchester, will see more than 90% of the sun covered.
This eclipse will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the lower 48 states until 2044. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, making the sky go dark.
Where & when
In Dorchester, the eclipse will be a deep partial one, with about 92.31% coverage expected at its peak at 3:29:47 PM. It’ll start around 2:16:05 PM.
The eclipse will begin in the South Pacific Ocean and sweep across North America. It’ll start on Mexico’s Pacific coast around 11:07 a.m. PDT and then pass through various U.S. states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Safety
Looking directly at the Sun, except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, is dangerous. Without proper eye protection specifically designed for solar viewing, viewing the bright Sun through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes can cause severe eye damage. During partial phases, always use safe solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers, or use indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors.
For more detailed info and safety tips, NASA has you covered with their website.
