On April 8, North America will witness a total solar eclipse as the moon’s dark central shadow, or umbra, moves across the continent at 1,500 mph. This event will bring darkness to the land and millions of spectators will witness the sun’s corona with their naked eyes. It is important to note that there is no such thing as “99% totality” in a total solar eclipse, as the experience is only complete within the path of totality.
To witness the total solar eclipse, one must be within the path of totality and not on the edges where only a partial eclipse can be seen. Thousands of towns and cities in North America are situated on the wrong side of the umbra’s edge, meaning they will only experience a partial eclipse and miss out on the totality. To fully experience the eclipse, it is recommended to be at least a couple of minutes within the path of totality.
For those living near the edge of the path of totality, it is advised to head further into the path to ensure a complete viewing of the total solar eclipse. Avoiding locations close to the edge, such as big cities like San Antonio, Austin, Denton, Fort Smith, Frankfort, Kokomo, and Crawfordsville, is crucial to experiencing the totality. This also applies to cities like St. Louis, Fort Wayne, Louisville, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Ithaca, which are near the path but not within it.
The phenomenon of a total solar eclipse creates a “grazing zone” along the edge of the path of totality, where the viewing experience may vary due to the sun’s diameter. The width of the moon’s shadow projection may slightly differ based on different values used for the sun’s diameter on various maps. To stay updated on all aspects of the total solar eclipse on April 8, it is recommended to check for new articles each day to ensure a clear understanding of the event and proper viewing locations.
Overall, witnessing a total solar eclipse is an extraordinary experience that requires being within the path of totality to fully appreciate the phenomenon. By avoiding locations close to the edge of the path and planning ahead for the event, spectators can ensure a memorable and complete viewing of the total solar eclipse on April 8. Whether you are a seasoned eclipse chaser or a first-time observer, the event is sure to leave you with clear skies and wide eyes.
