This event is extra special because it will be a total solar eclipse and viewable across North America. It will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada – so, many of us will get to experience it (approximately 32 million people).
During the total solar eclipse, the moon will completely obscure the sun and leave only the faint solar corona, which is known as “totality”. Totality will last for about 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the location in the viewing path.
Partial begins
Totality begins
Maximum Totality
Totality ends
Partial ends
Partial Begins12:23pm CDT
Totality Begins1:40pm CDT
Maximum1:42pm CDT
Totality Ends1:44pm CDT
Partial Ends3:02pm CDT
Partial Begins12:33pm CDT
Totality Begins1:51pm CDT
Maximum1:52pm CDT
Totality Ends1:54pm CDT
Partial Ends3:11pm CDT
Partial Begins12:42pm CDT
Totality Begins1:58pm CDT
Maximum2:00pm CDT
Totality Ends2:02pm CDT
Partial Ends3:17pm CDT
Partial Begins12:42pm CDT
Totality Begins1:59pm CDT
Maximum2:01pm CDT
Totality Ends2:03pm CDT
Partial Ends3:18pm CDT
Partial Begins1:50pm EDT
Totality Begins3:06pm EDT
Maximum3:07pm EDT
Totality Ends3:09pm EDT
Partial Ends4:19pm EDT
Partial Begins1:59pm EDT
Totality Begins3:13pm EDT
Maximum3:15pm EDT
Totality Ends3:17pm EDT
Partial Ends4:29pm EDT
Partial Begins2:02pm EDT
Totality Begins3:16pm EDT
Maximum3:18pm EDT
Totality Ends3:20pm EDT
Partial Ends4:30pm EDT
Partial Begins2:04pm EDT
Totality Begins3:18pm EDT
Maximum3:20pm EDT
Totality Ends3:22pm EDT
Partial Ends4:32pm EDT
Partial Begins2:14pm EDT
Totality Begins3:26pm EDT
Maximum3:27pm EDT
Totality Ends3:29pm EDT
Partial Ends4:37pm EDT
Partial Begins2:30pm EDT
Totality Begins3:32pm EDT
Maximum3:34pm EDT
Totality Ends3:36pm EDT
Partial Ends4:37pm EDT
Total solar eclipse
The sun is fully hidden by the moon.
Partial solar eclipse
The moon doesn't fully block the sun so only a portion of the sun is obscured. Here the moon appears to take a “bite” out of the sun.
Annular solar eclipse
The moon is centered in front of the sun but doesn't cover the entirety of the surface, so a “ring of fire” shines around the moon.
Hybrid solar eclipse
The rarest solar eclipse, which is a combination of a total and annular eclipse and is produced when the moon's shadow moves across Earth. These begin as one type of eclipse and transition to another.
Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. According to Prevent Blindness, here are a few tips to ensure your family is safe while viewing the 2024 total solar eclipse.5
It is never safe to look at a partial solar eclipse without proper safety equipment or techniques.
During the very brief time the sun is in total solar eclipse it is safe to look at it — but do so with caution.
Use expert-approved solar eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) to view a solar eclipse safely and without damaging your eyes.
Talk with your eye care provider to determine the best viewing option for you. To schedule an appointment, visit EyeMed's Provider Locator.
If you have any changes in vision that continue to get worse, after viewing the solar eclipse, seek treatment from your eye care provider.
Planning to experience the eclipse with your family? Here are a few kid-friendly resources you can use to guide them through this exciting event.
Snap a quick pic of your family having fun with our eclipse tools and tag us on social (@eyemedvisioncare). Your photo could be included in our solar eclipse recap!
1 - Carter, Jamie, “10 Strange Facts About The 2024 Solar Eclipse,” Farmers Almanac, hfps://www.farmersalmanac.com/10-strange-facts-about-the-2024-solar-eclipse, January 2024
2 - “2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When,” NASA, January 2024, https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse- 2024/where-when/
3 - “What is a solar eclipse?,” Space.com, hfps://www.space.com/15584-solar-eclipses.html, January 2024
4 - Bakich, Michael E., “25 facts you should know about the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024,” astronomy.com, hfps://www.astronomy.com/observing/25-facts-you-should-know-about-the- total-solar-eclipse-on-april-8-2024/, April 2021
5 - “Solar Eclipse Eye Safety,” Prevent Blindness, hfps://preventblindness.org/solar-eclipse-and- your-eyes/, Accessed February 2024