NASA Gears Up for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

The space agency released a list of viewing events and a tool that illustrates what the April 8 eclipse will look like in your ZIP code.

Kimberly Johnson

Friday, March 01, 2024 at 10:38 AM ET

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This composite image shows the progression of a total solar eclipse over Madras, Oregon, on August 21, 2017. [Courtesy: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani]

Key Takeaways:

The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be visible across 15 U.S. states, affecting over 30 million people in its path, making it the most accessible eclipse in a generation, with the next U.S. total solar eclipse not occurring until 2044.
Safe solar viewers or eclipse glasses are essential for viewing to prevent eye injury, and NASA provides an online "eclipse explorer tool" to check local visibility.
Numerous public viewing events, ranging from festivals to library gatherings, are scheduled across various states for April 6 and 8, many of which are free and open to the public.

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On April 8, the moon will pass in front of the sun, blocking out its light. The total solar eclipse will, for a moment, turn day into night, briefly revealing the sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona.

The 2024 total solar eclipse will be visible in 15 states. In North America, more than 30 million are estimated to live in its path that will range from 108 to 122 miles wide, according to NASA. For those viewing the event, safe solar viewers or eclipse glasses will be needed to avoid eye injury.