Latest news with #GreatAmericanEclipse
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
We're halfway between the April 2024 and August 2026 total solar eclipses: Here's why we're excited
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. There may be no total solar eclipse this year, but June 10, 2025, is a landmark event of sorts for eclipse chasers worldwide — the halfway point between the last and the next totalities. It's 429 days — just over 14 months — since April 8, 2024's "Great American Eclipse" across North America and 429 days until the next total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland and Spain. Related: Eclipse at sea: Best cruises for the total solar eclipse 2026 For some devotees of what's often called "nature's greatest event," it's a moment to reflect on and relive a landmark eclipse now in the rearview mirror. About 50 million people experienced the last total solar eclipse in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and southeastern Canada. It was, as expected by many, an event with mixed weather. Texas, which had the best odds of a clear sky, had clouds to varying degrees, with the clearest weather in the supposedly cloudiest regions of Indiana, Ohio, upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine in the U.S., and Quebec and New Brunswick in Canada. It was even cloudy over northern Mexico, but some had the right kind of sea legs. "We had to sail a considerable distance away from the coast to find a spot where it would be clear at eclipse time, and when the eclipse began in a clear blue sky, I got a rush of excitement as I realized we were going to see the entire spectacle," Rick Fienberg at the American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Task Force, told During totality, he noticed two parallel contrails in the sky close to the eclipse. "I realized they were from the two NASA research planes that were chasing totality about 40,000 feet above us [and] when I swung my binoculars to them, I could see the jets themselves," Fienberg continued. Thoughts are now firmly fixed on the next total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, which will see eclipse chasers head to the fjords of eastern Greenland in cruise ships, to remote parts of western Iceland and to northern Spain. The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will have a maximum totality of 2 minutes and 18 seconds and be mainland Europe's first since 1999. Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at and who was clouded out in Texas, has plans in place. "I am in great anticipation of the return of nature's greatest sight," Zeiler told "Total solar eclipses are guaranteed to take you to beautiful remote locations on Earth, and in 2026, Greenland is high on my bucket list." Bucket list locations abound across the path. "I don't think the tourism industry realizes what they are about to experience because we haven't had a total solar eclipse visible from Iceland since the summer of 1954," Sævar Helgi Bragason, an astronomy and science communicator at and told who's been preparing since 2015. "I've spent the better part of last year and this year increasing awareness with the general public, giving talks and having countless meetings with municipalities, tour companies, even the minister of justice and members of the parliament," he says. "It's finally paying off [but] we still have a long way to go." He's hoping Iceland's unique charms appeal to eclipse chasers, adding: "You could witness the eclipse from a geothermal pool or surrounded by incredible volcanic landscapes — and Icelanders know how to throw a good party!" For Spain, there's been a much longer wait for what will be a very special totality. "It's the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain in over 120 years, and it's taking place in my home country," Dan Zafra, an astrophotographer at told "It's a rare opportunity not just for Spaniards but for eclipse chasers and photographers worldwide to witness totality in a stunning and accessible European setting." As eclipse chasers on cruise ships in Greenland experience totality, the sun and moon will be about 25 degrees above the northwestern horizon. However, once the path has crossed northern Spain, it will be close to sunset. Fienberg will be on a cruise ship in the western Mediterranean Sea between the coast of mainland Spain and Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands. "We'll have a little more than 1½ minutes of totality with the sun about 3½ degrees above the horizon just before sundown," said Fienberg. "Then we'll see the thin crescent sun appear to sink into the sea. The entire spectacle should be quite dramatic." Since any one place on Earth experiences totality on average once every 36 years, according to NASA, eclipse chasing typically demands travel. "Once you've seen the dramatic beauty of a total solar eclipse, you might well get the bug to travel the world to see more," Zeiler said. "Life is short, and travel to far-away destinations will be so rewarding in so many ways." The 2026 total solar eclipse will be followed one lunar year later on August 2, 2027, when a maximum totality of 6 minutes and 23 seconds will be seen from Egypt, with Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia also in the path. Another lunar year will see a 5-minute and 10-second totality on July 22, 2028, in Australia, with New Zealand getting totality close to sunset. To the uninitiated, the passion of eclipse chasers leaves many confused. Perhaps that's because photos of totality typically fail to do the majesty of the event justice. Seeing the solar corona with the naked eye is a moment to savor, but there's much more to it than visuals." You don't just see a total solar eclipse. You feel it as the air cools and the wind changes speed and direction. You hear it in the cheers and cries of those around you and the sounds of insects and birds behaving as they do at sunset," said Fienberg. "It's among the most awesome experiences you can have on this planet — right up there with falling in love."
USA Today
08-04-2025
- Science
- USA Today
A year ago, a dazzling total solar eclipse captivated Americans. When is the next one?
A year ago, a dazzling total solar eclipse captivated Americans. When is the next one? On April 8, 2024, millions of Americans paused their days to step outside to witness an incredibly rare sight. We look back and ahead. Show Caption Hide Caption 2024 solar eclipse wows millions; next chance is 2044 The 2024 total solar eclipse offered a once-in-a-lifetime light show as it swept from Texas to Maine. The next solar eclipse will happen in 2044. Few, if any, celestial events have ever had the power to capture our collection attention the way the Great American Eclipse did just one year ago. On April 8, 2024, millions of Americans paused their days to step outside to witness an incredibly rare sight. When totality reached cities across the U.S., schools let out, work was put on hold and people took a moment to witness what was very likely a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic display. For many spectators, the weeks of social media hype and frenzied media coverage leading up to last year's total solar eclipse had paid off. Those in the eclipse's path were treated to an incredible display as the moon completely blotted out the sun and revealed its outermost layer, which for a few minutes appeared as a striking glowing ring. If you missed out out on the event, or it left you wanting more, you may be in for some slight disappointment. Not only are you in for a long wait, but the next time an eclipse hits the U.S., it won't come close to living up to last year's event. Here's a recap of last year's total solar eclipse, and when skygazers can plan to catch the next ones in both the U.S. and around the globe. Celestial wonders: 4 events that dazzled skygazers in 2024, from total solar eclipse to northern lights What happened during the April 2024 total solar eclipse? Last year's total solar eclipse was the first in North America since 2017 and completely put its predecessor to shame. A solar eclipse is what occurs when the moon comes in between the sun and the Earth. That differs from what happened in March during the lunar eclipse, when the Earth came between the sun and moon to block sunlight from reaching our celestial neighbor. For the 2024 eclipse, the sun's outermost layer, the corona, was brighter, the moon appeared larger and totality last just a bit longer than it did seven years prior. The total solar eclipse of April 2024 charted a 115-mile-wide path across Mexico, the United States and maritime provinces of Canada. In the U.S., tens of millions of people lived in the path of totality – the area where the moon completely blotted out the sun's disk stretching from the bottom of Texas all the way to the tip of Maine. During last year's total solar eclipse, spectators in the path of totality witnessed a stunning sight as the Earth, sun and moon perfectly aligned for a few minutes. The process not only ushered in uncharacteristic darkness, but unveiled the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere. When is the next total solar eclipse in the US? The awe-inspiring spectacle is a rarity – and will become even more so in the years ahead. While only seven years passed between total solar eclipses in North America, the next one visible in the continent won't be for another 20 years. Those in the U.S. will be waiting until Aug. 23, 2044 for a total solar eclipse. And with only three states on the path – Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota – the next North American eclipse won't have nearly as big of a reach as the 2024 celestial event that blanketed 13 states. Outside of the lower 48 states, Alaska is set to experience a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033, according to When is the next total solar eclipse in the world? Americans with updated passports who are willing to travel don't have to wait for another 20 years until a total solar eclipse is visible in the United States. The next total solar eclipse to occur anywhere in the world will be August 12, 2026 when one passes over Spain, Iceland, and Greenland, according to NASA. Then, another one will occur about a year later on August 2, 2027 over North Africa. Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Partial Solar Eclipse March 29: Here's where and when to see it in DC
The Brief A partial solar eclipse visible at sunrise Saturday in DC, with maximum coverage at 6:59 a.m. Warm temperatures this weekend, ideal for cherry blossoms; rain possible Sunday afternoon. Strong cold front Monday may bring thunderstorms and damaging winds. WASHINGTON - Nearly a year after all the fanfare surrounding the Great American Eclipse of April 8th, 2024, did you know that the D.C. region will be treated to yet another glimpse of the moon passing in front of the sun? To compare the two events, however, is like comparing apples and oranges, the upcoming partial eclipse will not nearly as spectacular. Whereas in 202 nearly 90% of the visual surface area of the sun was eclipsed by the moon, this time around we are looking at just a measly 1% of coverage. Still impressive though to witness something often seen only a few times in a single lifetime. Unlike the April event last year that happened during the afternoon hours, you will need to be up early to witness this partial solar eclipse. The partial eclipse will begin prior to the sun even rising above our viewing horizon, so you will want to be up right at sunrise to view it fully. Sunrise is at 6:57 a.m. here in D.C. on Saturday, with the maximum partial eclipse for our region expected at 6:59 a.m. It should be the left side of the sun that will be slightly shielded by the moon. It will be a quick viewing as well, as the rotation of the earth will quickly separate the moon from the sun, with the partial eclipse set to end at 7:02 a.m. Because of the timing of this partial eclipse, the sun will be very low on the horizon for viewing. An elevated location with an unobstructed view of the horizon will give you the best shot at seeing it. Remember you never want to look at the sun without proper eye protection. Using certified eclipse glasses, or a properly shielded camera or telescope lens is recommended for viewing, especially given how little of the sun will be covered by the moon. We unfortunately cannot promise that the weather will cooperate either. Some clouds do seem likely around sunrise Saturday. Do not feel like rising early on a Saturday? Well, there are a few other opportunities to witness astronomical events in the years ahead. On March 3rd, 2026, our region will have a total lunar eclipse. This is where the shadow of the earth fully engulfs the moon, giving it a reddish coloring. We will be treated to another partial solar eclipse on August 12th of 2026, though this one will also be a small section of the sun. The next solar eclipse that will cover about half the sun here in Washington, D.C. will not be until January of 2029. The next major partial eclipse will be in June of 2048, then again in March 2052. Want to see a total solar eclipse in D.C.? You just need to find the fountain of youth! The next total solar eclipse overhead of Washington, D.C. will be in 2444. The partial eclipse comes on what will likely be D.C.'s warmest day since November 7th of last year. Sunshine is expected to mix with cloud cover while temperature soar through the 70s and into the lower to middle 80s on Saturday afternoon. It will be prime weather for cherry blossom viewing at the Tidal Basin, which should be in peak bloom given the temperatures. Warmth sticks around for Sunday, but the treat for rain showers will return by the afternoon and evening hours as well, so plan your blossom viewing accordingly. The adage goes that March comes in like a lion but goes out like a lamb. This year, March just may end with a lion's roar. After another afternoon of 70s and potentially some lower 80s, a strong cold front is expected to sweep the region on Monday afternoon into the evening hours. A line of showers and potentially strong thunderstorms is expected as this front sweeps through the D.C. region. Gusty, damaging winds appear to be the greatest concern currently. The FOX 5 Weather Team will continue to monitor the threat and keep you updated in the days ahead. The Source FOX 5 DC Weather Team
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Partial Solar Eclipse Ahead: Catch The Sun Turning Into 'Devil's Horns' On March 29
Here's a reason to wake up early on a Saturday: On March 29, a solar eclipse will grace the skies at sunrise over eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, as well as other northern locations. It will be the first solar eclipse since last spring's 'Great American Eclipse' on April 8, 2024. It won't be a total solar eclipse, but it'll be close. It's considered a 'deep partial solar eclipse,' and about 93% of the sun's disk will be obscured by the new moon. (MORE: Colorado Skies Glow, But Not From Aurora) Parts of North America will be able to see the eclipse at sunrise or shortly after, then Greenland, Iceland, Europe and northwest Africa will be able to view the eclipse as the sun climbs throughout the morning. Russia will be last to view the eclipse, with Siberia getting the chance to see it at sunset. Quebec will have the best view, with a maximum of 93.1% of the sun shadowed by the moon. The border between Maine and New Brunswick will have spectacular views as well, Live Science reported. (MORE: 50 Baby Stars Celebrate Webb Telescope) The farther south in the U.S. you are, the less coverage you'll see. Northern Maine could see up to 85% coverage, but in Philadelphia, only about 11% of the sun will appear covered. And in Washington, D.C., that number drops to 1%, according to Live Science. You can check the percentage visible from your location at In some locations, the sun will take on the appearance of devil's horns or a Cheshire Cat grin, Forbes reported. As the sun won't be completely eclipsed, it will look similar to a very bright, horizontal crescent moon. However, according to senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce, conditions in the Northeast are not looking optimal for viewing the eclipse. A weather disturbance may bring a decent amount of cloud cover that morning, and rain or snow are not out of the question. If you plan to try and take a glance, don't forget to wear certified solar glasses to protect your eyes. Viewers can also use a telescope or a pair of binoculars with a solar filter. Failure to use the proper eye protection can cause serious eye damage.
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Science
- Forbes
See A ‘Great American Eclipse' As Winter Stars Wane: The Sky This Week
Young people look at the rare sight of the setting sun appearing as crescent during a partial solar ... More eclipse on January 26, 2009. (GIL NARTEA/AFP via Getty Images) Each Monday, I pick out North America's celestial highlights for the week ahead (which also applies to northern hemisphere mid-northern latitudes). Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more. When is the next eclipse? It's this week — and just 354 days (one lunar year) after the 'Great American Eclipse' on April 8, 2024, it's another fine view for some in North America. A solar eclipse can, by definition, only occur at a new moon — when the moon is between the sun and the Earth — which means it's lost in the sun's glare and out of the night sky for a few evenings on either side. So the week of any solar eclipse is ideal for stargazing, with the last week of March ideal for grabbing one last longing look at the bright stars of winter before they sink into the western horizon and disappear from the evening night sky for six months. This picture taken on October 25, 2022 shows a view of the moon partially obscuring the sun disk ... More during a partial solar eclipse visible from Baghdad University in Iraq's capital. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images) A partial solar eclipse will be visible today from northeastern North America, eastern Canada, and parts of Europe. The best views will be from eastern Canada and along the northeastern coast of North America, where the sun will rise partially eclipsed. Observers in the northeastern U.S. (New England, Maine) and eastern Canada (Quebec, New Brunswick) will see up to 94% of the sun obscured. You can find an exact schedule for your location here, but remember — always use proper eclipse glasses and solar filters on cameras, binoculars and telescopes, to observe the event safely. It is never safe to look at a partially eclipsed sun with the naked eye. Sunday, March 30: Young Crescent Moon A fine challenge to set yourself up after seeing the partial solar eclipse yesterday is to catch sight of the youngest possible crescent moon. Find a position where you can see low to the western horizon, and, for a brief time after sunset, you may be able to spot a 3%-lit waxing crescent moon. It will appear below bright Jupiter, but binoculars will likely be needed. Asterism of the Week: The Winter Triangle There may be 88 official constellations, but there are many more unofficial asterisms — shapes of stars — that are just as important, if not more, to anyone wanting to navigate and know the night sky. One such is the Winter Triangle — formed by Sirius, Betelgeuse and Procyon — that's still visible in the southwest after sunset, but not for long. Having dominated the winter sky for months, the reign of this bright asterism is now coming to an end. If you look beyond Procyon, you'll find Mars, and beyond Betelgeuse, you'll see Jupiter. The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium and use a sunrise and sunset calculator for where you are. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
