North America is set to be treated for a total solar eclipse this month, but the spectacle comes with a warning from scientists.
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, as a total solar eclipse is set to dazzle spectators across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
This rare celestial event is being dubbed the "Great North American Solar Eclipse" and is set to be one of the longest ever recorded!
But, the incredible event comes with warnings, per Sky News and The New York Post.
With thousands of spectators flocking to prime viewing spots, authorities in several states have cautioned about possible traffic jams and travel disruptions.
In Texas, the eclipse's direct path, residents are advised to anticipate heavier-than-usual traffic in the days surrounding the event.
While the eclipse won't directly impact flights, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns of increased air traffic during the event. Airlines like Delta are offering special eclipse routes, but regular flights may experience delays, particularly during peak viewing times.
In anticipation of heavy crowds and staffing challenges, hundreds of schools across multiple states will either close early or shut down completely on Monday, so be sure to check what your individual school is doing before the big day.
Residents and tourists are advised to stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, and medications, ahead of the eclipse. With populations expected to surge in many areas, it'll be good to have things in supply at home, saving you from going to the store to find nothing is left.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reiterates the importance of safe driving during the eclipse, urging motorists to refrain from stopping on roadsides for viewing.
Perhaps the most critical warning is around eye safety during the eclipse. Viewing the sun without proper protection can cause irreversible eye damage. Genuine eclipse glasses, not regular sunglasses, are essential for safe viewing. Beware of counterfeit glasses, and ensure that they meet safety standards before use.
With that being said, John Irwin, an expert in eclipse computations, has revealed that the zone where the moon will completely obscure the sun is 600 yards narrower than what official NASA projections indicated.
This adjustment has implications for viewers on the edge of the path of totality, potentially shortening their window to witness the total eclipse. In some areas, such as Rome, New York; Effingham, Illinois; and Montreal's Cité Jardin Park, the eclipse may be entirely missed due to this revised path.
Major US cities like Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo are still squarely within the path of totality and will experience nearly four minutes of complete darkness.
Interestingly, some southern parts of the US, including San Antonio and Austin, may see a slightly widened path of totality according to Irwin's projections.
In Canada, parts of Toronto, Montreal, Drummondville, and Lumsden may also be affected, with some areas losing visibility during the eclipse.
Here's a breakdown of when the total solar eclipse will occur in various US and Canadian cities on April 8, all in local time:
- San Antonio, Texas: 1:33 PM Central
- Dallas, Texas: 1:40 PM Central
- Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59 PM Central
- Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13 PM Eastern
- Buffalo, New York: 3:18 PM Eastern
- Burlington, Vermont: 3:26 PM Eastern
- Montreal, Quebec: 3:27 PM Eastern
- Fredericton, New Brunswick: 4:33 PM Atlantic
- Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador: 5:12 PM Newfoundland Time
