Overview
- North America is set to witness a rare total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, marking the first such event since August 2017.
- The eclipse will darken skies from Mexico's Pacific coast to the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada, with millions expected to observe the celestial phenomenon.
- Specialized protective glasses are essential for safely viewing the eclipse, except during the brief totality phase.
- The eclipse coincides with an active period for the sun, potentially allowing observers to see solar corona and coronal mass ejections.
- Communities along the eclipse's path are preparing for an influx of visitors, with some areas declaring local states of emergency to manage the expected crowds.