Elijah Williams
On April 8th, a rare total solar eclipse drew one “path of totality” over North Americaleaving areas of the United States, Canada and Mexico in darkness in the middle of the day.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking our view of the sun as it passes. It’s called a total solar eclipse when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light. These events are rare and can only be displayed in specific areas for short periods of time.
The path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse stretched from Texas to the East Coast. Cities including Dallas, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Burlington, Vermont, were among the areas with the best views.
NASA/Getty Images
How often do total solar eclipses happen?
Total solar eclipses are rare, and those visible in the United States are even rarer.
Events occur every year or three somewhere on the globe, but are often only visible at the Earth’s poles or in the middle of the ocean.
Several factors contribute to enjoying a total solar eclipse. Viewers need clear skies to ensure the phenomenon is not blocked by clouds, and only those in the path of totality will see the full effect of the sun being blotted out. Those outside the path of totality can still observe a partial eclipse, when the moon covers part, but not all, of the sun, NASA said.
When was the last total solar eclipse?
The last total solar eclipse occurred in 2021 and was only visible in Antarctica. The period of totality lasted just one minute and 54 seconds, according to NOAA.
O last visible total solar eclipse of North America was in 2017. Parts of the United States, from Oregon to South Carolina, were able to witness the rare phenomenon. Before thatthe last total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. occurred in 1979, when just five states were in the path of totality.
When will the next total solar eclipse be?
The next total solar eclipse will be on August 12, 2026, according to NOAA. This eclipse will be visible in the Arctic, eastern Greenland, northern Spain and Iceland.
Those hoping to see a total solar eclipse in the United States will have to wait much longer. A Total solar eclipse will not occur in the contiguous US until August 2044.
