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, and will briefly turn day into night, revealing the sun's corona.
This is a rare and highly accessible event for the U.S., as the next total solar eclipse won't occur until 2044.
Viewing the eclipse requires certified safe solar viewers or eclipse glasses to prevent eye injury.
Numerous public viewing events are scheduled across the path of totality, and NASA offers an online "eclipse explorer" tool to check local visibility.

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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.