US gripped by 2024 total solar eclipse fever: where to watch the extraordinary natural phenomenon

A new total solar eclipse is expected in 2024. The date of the extraordinary natural phenomenon is April 8, 2024.

On this day, a total solar eclipse will pass across the United States in a thin strip that will stretch for thousands of miles from Texas to Maine, writes Beaumontenterprise.

What is a total solar eclipse

To experience a total solar eclipse, viewers must be in a thin band called the path of totality. Outside of this band, only a partial solar eclipse will be visible. And while a partial eclipse is also beautiful, it doesn't come close to the way the day goes black when the moon covers the sun.

Note that this will be the last opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in the United States until 2045.

The eclipse of 2024 may seem just as incredibly far away, but eclipse fever hits hard. Last time, hotels and campgrounds were sold out months in advance as thousands of people headed to the best locations to see the full power of the eclipse. Many hotels and campgrounds are already accepting bookings for this upcoming date.

Where to see the 2024 solar eclipse in the south:

Solar eclipse begins in Austin: 1:36 P.M. CT;

Solar eclipse begins in Dallas: 1:40 P.M., CT;

Solar eclipse begins in Little Rock: 1:51 P.M., CT;

The solar eclipse begins in Cleveland: 3:13 p.m. ET;

Solar eclipse begins in Indianapolis: 3:06 p.m. ET;

Solar eclipse begins in Dayton: 3:10 p.m. ET.

According to scientists, the eclipse will be more visible in Texas. Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio. The same goes for Little Rock and parts of Oklahoma.

The path of the solar eclipse is heading across northern New York and into Vermont, with both Buffalo and Burlington in the center of the path.

Viewing parties are planned in Buffalo Harbor and Niagara Falls State Parks. Rochester has announced a four-day ROC Eclipse festival centered around events at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

Burlington will be one of the last places in the United States where the eclipse will be felt in full before the eclipse continues north.

Canada is also getting a small piece of the path of totality. In many of the most densely populated places, viewers will be able to observe the strange natural phenomenon.

Where to see the 2024 solar eclipse in Canada:

The solar eclipse begins in Hamilton: 3:18 p.m. ET;

Solar eclipse begins in Montreal: 3:27 p.m. ET;

Solar eclipse begins in Fredericton: 3:33 p.m. ET.

A total solar eclipse is often referred to as a once-in-a-lifetime event. However, they are visible only on a small part of the planet. The total solar eclipses in 2026, 2030, 2031, and 2033 will mostly be visible only in the ocean. Opportunities to see one close to home are rare.