A rare total solar eclipse, fondly referred to as the Great American Eclipse due to its extensive path across North America, is poised to illuminate the skies Monday, casting its shadow over parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states, and eastern Canada.
From Texas to Maine, millions of Americans are anticipated to pause their daily routines, stepping outdoors for a few moments to witness this extraordinary celestial phenomenon.
The forthcoming total solar eclipse has garnered widespread attention, capturing the fascination of the public like few other astronomical events. For those eagerly awaiting its arrival, there are two burning questions: Will my location experience totality, and if so, how long will the ensuing darkness persist?
While most regions across the country will catch a glimpse of the eclipse in varying degrees, only 13 states lie directly in the path of totality, where the moon will completely obscure the sun, revealing only its corona.
The journey of totality begins on Mexico’s Pacific coast, where the eclipse will commence around 11:07 a.m. local time, equivalent to 2:07 p.m. in Ghana, according to NASA’s calculations.
In total, close to 500 cities spanning 13 U.S. states find themselves situated along the path of totality, promising an unforgettable spectacle for those fortunate enough to witness it.