How the 2024 and 2017 Solar Eclipses Differ – Totality Spoiler: 2024 = More
While the Texas Gulf Coast won’t have quite as perfect a vantage point for the April Total Solar Eclipse as it did for the October 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse, the region will be close enough to the path of Totality to experience quite a show. The last Total Solar Eclipse that crossed the U.S. happened in 2017. This year, things will be a bit different. NASA breaks down the differences between the 2017 and the upcoming Eclipse. – Editor
On April 8, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across the United States, as millions will view a total solar eclipse. For many, preparing for this event brings memories of the magnificent total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.
In April, totality will last longer than it did in 2017. Seven years ago, the longest period of totality was experienced near Carbondale, Illinois, at 2 minutes, 42 seconds.
For the upcoming eclipse, totality will last up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds, in an area about 25 minutes northwest of Torreón, Mexico. As the eclipse enters Texas, totality will last about 4 minutes, 26 seconds at the center of the eclipse’s path.
This year, 99% of people who reside in the United States will be able to see the total or at least a partial eclipse from where they live.
