Solar Eclipse of April 8 2024 Path: Why and Where You Should Go!

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Hitting the road in our RV has led us to some incredible sights and experiences, but topping that list? Witnessing our first total solar eclipse in 2017. Now, we’re gearing up for the next big show: the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. It’s a big deal because after this, we’re not getting another one in the US until 2044! So, we’re here to spill the beans on everything eclipse-related. We’re answering your top questions and sharing tips on how to catch this awe-inspiring event. We’ve even got a little throwback with a video from 2017’s eclipse to get you pumped.

Haven’t made plans yet? It’s not too late! We’ll share tips for how to see it in the path of totality. And where you can find a place to park your home-on-wheels to get the best view. Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience!

all the phases of a total solar eclipse

Want to follow along on RVLove’s 2024 Eclipse Adventure? We’re sharing our 800+ mile journey from Tucson to Texas. Showing you where we stop, where we stay, and what we see along the way. We’ll be sharing eclipse tips, snippets of our RV life and travels, and some handy RV hacks too. We’ll mostly be sharing reels, stories and posts ‘on the fly’ on social media, so follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be part of our epic eclipse road trip! We MAY also share SOME posts on TikTok and Twitter / X, we’ll see how we go. 

When is the next solar eclipse in the US?

The next Total Solar Eclipse in the US will be on Tuesday, April 8th, 2024. You can see the solar eclipse of April 8 2024 path in the image below. After that, the next total solar eclipse in the US will be on August 23rd, 2044. Read on for more about what makes a solar eclipse special, and where you can see it.

solar eclipse of april 8 2024 path

Image credit: www.GreatAmericanEclipse.com

Where can I see the next solar eclipse?

The total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024 path will be visible in many states in the US. It will be viewed first in Mexico, then crossing into the US in Texas. The line of totality will head in a northeastern direction, finishing up in Maine and eastern Canada. 

Here are the U.S. states where the solar eclipse will pass through or touch: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. 

Enter your zip code for a viewing guide – here’s a great article and tool for that.

In Canada, the eclipse passes through Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Learn more about the solar eclipse in Canada here.

Does it matter if I am not in the path of 100% totality?

It is important to note that when viewing a solar eclipse, it is vital to be within the narrow band of maximum obscurity of the sun. During a total solar eclipse, this band is called the path of totality. The path of totality for the April 8th 2024 eclipse is around 115-miles wide. 

If you are anywhere outside of the path, you will only see a partial eclipse. The further away from the center of the path, the less of the sun will be obscured. In our experience seeing the total solar eclipse in 2017, being right in the path of totality really was the difference between night and day!

Trust us on this, for the 2024 total solar eclipse, you’ll want to be 100% directly in the path of totality.

Where can I find a place to stay in totality path?

Hopefully, you’ve already made plans – with your RV, or other accommodations in the path of totality. But an RV really is a fantastic way to travel and experience an event like the total solar eclipse. And it’s more fun with friends!

Experience the total solar eclipse, using these handy tools to find locations in the path of totality:

Campground Reviews (RVLIFE) – search for campgrounds in every city and state across USA,  Canada, and Mexico. 

Campground Views – Look where you’re going, with a 360 virtual tour of the campground you want to stay at. 

Campendium – Check every state on their list for a list of camping options.

Campspot – search by US state or Canadian province, with tons of options.

Harvest Hosts – Stay at a farm, winery, brewery, water park, or an apple orchard?There are over 500 host locations in the path of totality. If you’re not already a member of Harvest Hosts, use this special link and save 20%

Hipcamp – You’ll find everything from tent camping sites, to RVs, yurts, cabins, and other unique accommodations in the path.

Spot2Nite – Choose from over 30 campgrounds in the path of totality from Texas to New Hampshire. 

The Dyrt – book campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins and glamping, or find free camping sites.

What if I don’t have an RV?

No problem! You can rent an RV from RVshare. They still have hundreds available in areas close to the path of totality. But you’ll have to be quick!

Or book an RVShare Premium Package that includes a trailer rental, campsite, and white glove service. Everything is set up for you! Just show up, stay and play! Learn more about how to plan for your Eclipse adventure in this RV guide.  

And of course, you may even find a cabin, yurt, or other type of accommodation in the other options mentioned above.

solar eclipse of april 8 2024 path 2

Image credit: www.EclipseWise.com

photo credit timeanddate.com of a total solar eclipse

Photo credit: www.timeanddate.com

What causes a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. This shadow casts part of the Earth and partially obscures the sun’s view. As mentioned above, the shadow creates only a narrow path. That is because the moon is not large enough to cast a large shadow on the Earth. 

Since most of the Earth’s surface is water, and we mostly live on land, we rarely see eclipses, especially because they occur in different parts of the world.

The most recent total solar eclipse in the US was on August 21st, 2017. Just as with the 2024 total solar eclipse, it was commonly known as the Great American Eclipse, because it was widely viewable across the USA, and the path of totality was only viewable in the USA. The 2017 path of totality was viewable in a narrow path that stretched southeasterly from Oregon down to South Carolina. 

We saw the 2017 total solar eclipse with a group of fellow RVers in Madras, Oregon, and had excellent viewing conditions! 

crowd wearing eclipse glasses looking up at sky from rv campsite

RVers gather to watch the 2017 solar eclipse

What is so special about a total solar eclipse?

Here’s an overview of what you can expect to see during a total solar eclipse, and what makes it so special.

total solar eclipse with diamond ring

Total Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the view of the Sun. This view is only available if you are within the path of totality. The path of totality will commonly be 9,000 miles long but only 90 miles wide. However, the 2024 total solar eclipse path is approximately 115 miles wide.

Other phases of a total solar eclipse may include the diamond ring, a very small ring around the sun with an extra diamond-like sparkle on one end. The diamond ring image will likely only last for a second.

When looking at the sun during a total solar eclipse – wearing the appropriate eye protection – you will see a black center with a glow around it. This phase is the only time it is safe to view the eclipse without protective glasses.

What else happens during a total solar eclipse? 

During the totality phase, the sky will be significantly darker, temperatures will drop, and birds and wildlife will often go quiet. The last total solar eclipse we witnessed was eerily beautiful, it literally gave us goosebumps.

We still get to re-live that experience, and the feeling, whenever we watch our 2017 eclipse highlights video – it’s only 4 mins long, and you can see it here.

To learn more about the difference between a total solar eclipse, an annual solar eclipse, and a partial solar eclipse, you can read this article.

solar eclipse of april 8 2024 path

Image Credit: www.greatamericaneclipse.com

Solar Eclipse of April 8 2024 path

As mentioned above, the total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024 path, will be visible in many states in the US and Canada.

It will make its first landfall in Mexico. Texas will be the first state in the US within the line of totality. The line of totality will head in a northeastern direction, through the mid-west. It eventually travels through Maine and Canada before ending its viewability from land. 

It is important to mention again that when viewing a solar eclipse, it is vital to be within the narrow band of maximum obscurity of the sun. The band of the 2024 solar eclipse will be around 115 miles wide, and the shadowed area moves at over 1,000 miles per hour.

If you are anywhere outside of the path, you will only see a partial eclipse. 

solar eclipse of april 8 2024 path high detail 1

Image Credit: www.greatamericaneclipse.com

solar eclipse of april 8 2024 path Texas

Image Credit: www.greatamericaneclipse.com

How long does a solar eclipse last?

The length of time a solar eclipse lasts depends on many factors. Generally speaking, the partial solar eclipse portion can last multiple hours. But the maximum phase of totality in the total solar eclipse will last between a few seconds and seven minutes, depending on where you are. Definitely, be prepared for the exact time of maximum viewability.

If you time it wrong with cooking a meal, or even a bathroom visit, you might miss the best part. So make sure you note the specific times for your location for the eclipse event you plan on viewing. 

Here is an example for the upcoming total solar eclipse of April 8 2024 path. Specifically for Dallas, Texas. Check your location for different details.

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/dallas?iso=20240408

An example of the kind of information you will see

Dallas, TX, USA

Duration: 2 hours, 39 minutes
Duration of totality: 3 minutes, 52 seconds
Partial begins: April 8 2024, at 12:23 pm
Maximum: April 8 2024, at 1:42 pm
Partial ends: April 8 2024, at 3:02 pm

As you can see the actual duration of totality for the solar eclipse of April 8 2024 path is less than 4 minutes, but the total duration of the eclipse is over two and a half hours!

solar eclipse of april 8 2024 path Texas cities

Image Credit: www.nationaleclipse.com

rvs and people wearing eclipse glasses looking at the solar eclipse

Is it safe to look at a solar eclipse?

When viewing a solar eclipse, you MUST wear protective solar eclipse glasses nearly the entire time. The only exception to this is during the maximum phase of a total solar eclipse when you are within the path of totality. That is because, for those brief moments, the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon, and you only see the light of the Corona.

As long as you have the correct protective glasses you can watch the eclipse. If you choose to view the eclipse with a telescope for a more detailed view, ensure that the telescope is equipped with appropriate light filters.

Man looks through telescope with RVs behind

Marc McCalmon views the total solar eclipse through his telescope in 2017

Note, sunglasses will not protect your eyes! You need proper ISO-certified glasses, like these. It’s recommended to buy a pack with a few spares, just in case they get lost or scratched.

7 Tips for fully enjoying a total solar eclipse

  1. Protect your eyes. Always wear your protective solar eclipse glasses when looking at the sun, unless its a total solar eclipse during the maximum phase. 
  2. Stay present and engaged. It only lasts a few minutes, and you will want to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
  3. Photography tips. If you’re taking photos, get pictures of shadows because they will show the ring of fire, arcs, or other unique patterns. Also, capture the wonder on the faces of family and friends. You will not be able to get great photos of the sun without a telescope with special filters. Get more eclipse photography tips in this article.
  4. Be patient. Expect abnormally large crowds in areas with maximum viewability. Traffic in and out of the area might be heavy hours after the eclipse’s peak, especially in popular tourist areas. Also, expect challenges with cellular reception with the large crowds, as the cell towers in the area might become temporarily overloaded.
  5. Plan ahead. If traveling for the event, book your camping or other reservations as soon as possible, as many have already been booked up months in advance. An RV is the best way to view a total solar eclipse. 
  6. Consider pets. You may choose to leave your pets at home as they may get scared with the crowds, or the strangeness of the sun going away. It was surreal for us to observe the stillness of nature and pets during the totality phase of the 2017 eclipse.
  7. Look for a telescope! If possible, find somebody with a telescope (and proper filter) for more detailed viewing.

Tips for Photographing a Total Solar Eclipse

It’s possible to capture photographs of the total solar eclipse with a smart phone, mirrorless or DSLR camera. But you need to be safe and have the right filters. Here’s an article by photography expert Richard Schneider – creator of Photography Cheat Sheets – sharing excellent tips, tools and techniques for capturing great shots of the eclipse!

some phases of a total solar eclipse

When is the next TOTAL solar eclipse after 2024?

After this April 8th, 2024 eclipse event, the next total solar eclipse in the US will occur on August 23rd, 2044. That’s more than two decades away. Which is why we recommend doing whatever it takes to  get to the 2024 total solar eclipse!

If you are a world traveler, you might be able to catch the upcoming total eclipses in Western Europe in 2026, North Africa in 2027, and Australia in 2028. Yep, after catching the eclipse bug in 2017, and making our way to Oregon for the annular solar eclipse in 2023, we’re already making plans for an international total solar eclipse experience after this 2024 eclipse!

Where will we be for the solar eclipse of the April 8, 2024 path?

This week, we’ll be pointing the RV southeast from Tucson, Arizona and heading to Texas to be among the first to see it in the US. We are traveling with some fellow RV/ astronomy expert friends. They picked southern Texas as the prime area for viewing this eclipse, and specifically the town of Del Rio, which is on the Mexican border. 

We’re not attending an RV event or rally, just hanging out with our friends. But there does appear to be a SolarFest eclipse event happening in Del Rio during that time, so we’ll check it out! Many towns along the path of totality are hosting events around the occasion, so do some research and see what’s happening. There are also a few Eclipse apps you can download – including The Eclipse App by The Planetary Society – where you can find useful info based on community.

We can’t think of a better reason to jump in the RV and head out for a road trip. Have you ever experienced an eclipse? Do you plan to see the 2024 eclipse?

We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

PS. Follow our Eclipse Road Trip Adventure – here on Instagram and Facebook. And we may post some on TikTok and Twitter / X too. 

Watch 4-minute video of our 2017 Solar Eclipse experience

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Author Bio: Marc Bennett

Author Bio: Marc Bennett

A Colorado native, Marc is an avid cyclist and hiker who has lived, worked, and traveled by RV to all 50 USA states, while working full-time. He is co-author, with his wife Julie, of two bestselling books: "RV Hacks: 400+ Ways to Make Life on the Road Easier, Safer, and More Fun!" and "Living the RV Life: Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road". In RV life, Marc takes care of all the dirty jobs – fixing things, washing dishes, and dumping the black tank.

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