NEW ORLEANS — The upcoming eclipse has been dubbed the "Great American Eclipse." It will cover North America from coast to coast on April 8.
It's set to last for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. According to NASA, it will be seen in total in North America from Mexico’s Pacific coast to Newfoundland, Canada.
Here is what you need to know about the eclipse:
Date of eclipse
Monday, April 8, 2024, eclipse
Timing of eclipse - New Orleans
Partial eclipse begins at 12:49:43 in New Orleans. The moment the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun is called first contact.
Maximum eclipse at 1:49:44 - The deepest point of the eclipse, with the Sun at its most hidden.
Partial eclipse ends at 3:09:03 - the edge of the moon leaves the edge of the sun
Nearest places with eclipse totality
Little Rock, Arkansas
San Antonio, Texas
Dallas, Texas
The next one is likely to occur
The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.
What you need to safely view it
If you're outside the path of totality, it's important to keep eclipse glasses on.
Sunglasses won’t cut it. Special eclipse glasses are crucial for safely observing the sun as the moon marches across the late morning and afternoon sky, covering more and more and then less and less of our star.
During totality when the sun is completely shrouded, it’s fine to remove your glasses and look with your naked eyes. But before and after, certified eclipse glasses are essential to avoid eye damage. Just make sure they’re not scratched or torn.
Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must be outfitted with special solar filters for safe viewing. Bottom line: Never look at an exposed sun without proper protection any day of the year.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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