Did you know there are anywhere from two to five solar eclipses every year? However, the last total solar eclipse happened in 2017 and it was the first to span the entire U.S. from coast to coast since 1918.
The next total solar eclipse happens on April 8. That’s when parts of the U.S. will be plunged into darkness as the moon entirely blocks the face of the sun, leaving just a rim of light around the edge.
But it won’t be seen in its totality across the country. It will start in Mazatlán in Sinaloa, Mexico. The 15-mile-wide path of the total eclipse will enter the U.S. at Texas and move through 14 states and parts of Canada.
The rest of the U.S., including Florida, will only get to see a partial eclipse. The further northwest you go in the Sunshine State, the more of the sun will be blocked. For example, Pensacola will get just over 80% coverage, Palm Beach will experience 58% coverage, Miami 55.7% and the Keys will get 55%.
No matter how much of an eclipse there is, heed NASA’s warning: “Do NOT look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer,” NASA advises. “The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.”
If you miss this one, the next total solar eclipse visible in North America won’t be until 2033.
Visit science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024