A map of April 2024’s total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse will cross North America in April. This animated map shows the path of totality across parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. (Feb. 29) (AP Animation: Panagiotis Mouzakis and Marshall Ritzel)
Get ready for a celestial spectacle. On April 8, a total solar eclipse is set to traverse the skies over the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This rare astronomical event promises awe-inspiring views as the moon moves between the Earth and the sun.
To catch this breathtaking phenomenon, mark your calendars and select your location from the interactive map below. Discover when the eclipse will begin and end in your area, as well as the extent of sun coverage at its peak.
Where is the best place to see the 2024 eclipse in Rochester NY?
The best places to witness the eclipse in Rochester include open parks or waterfront areas with unobstructed views of the sky. Here are some ideal locations for experiencing the celestial event in our area.
- High Falls
- Parcel 5
- Cobbs Hill Park
- Highland Park
- Genesee Valley Park
- Ontario Beach Park.
The Rochester Museum and Science Center on East Avenue is also hosting a Roc the Eclipse Festival.
Elsewhere in Monroe County, suggested viewing sites include:
- Mendon Ponds Park
- Durand-Eastman Park
- The campus at the State University College at Brockport
- Hamlin Beach State Park
You can also watch the eclipse online. NASA and other organizations will create a link for live eclipse viewing closer to the event.
More: Looking at the sun in an eclipse will fry your eyes painfully. Take it from someone who knows
Eclipse path of totality cuts across 13 U.S. states
Mexico’s Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which will occur about 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. As the moon’s shadow travels northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin at 1:27 p.m. CDT in Eagle Pass, Texas. From there, the path will cut diagonally across the country before ending around 3:33 p.m. EDT in Lee, Maine, according to nationaleclipse.com.
Starting at 2:07 p.m. April 8 in Rochester, the moon will begin to appear to move in front of the sun. Totality begins at 3:20 p.m. and will last for 3 minutes and 38 seconds (plus or minus a few seconds depending where you are standing.) By 4:33 p.m. the moon will have moved past the sun, returning the light to normal. Along the way, periods of darkness could last a mere few seconds or, in some cities, could surpass four minutes.
Contributing: USA Today Network
