On Monday, August 21st, the sun will briefly disappear across America in a total solar eclipse. This is a rare event you are not going to want to miss. According to NASA, experiencing a total solar eclipse from where you live only happens about once every 375 years. This will be the first time in 99 years that a total solar eclipse travels across the United States from the west coast to the east coast. The first point of contact will be at Lincoln Beach, Oregon at 9:05 a.m. PDT. Over the next few hours it will cross the country diagonally, ending near Charleston, South Carolina at 2:48 p.m. EDT. The lunar shadow should leave the United States at 4:09 EDT. The whole country should be able to see at least a partial eclipse but those living in the area shown above will be in the path of totality.
Those in Texas will not be able to see the total solar eclipse but will be able to see roughly 70% of the sun covered by the moon. For those in the Austin area, the partial eclipse will begin at about 11:41 a.m., peak at 1:10 p.m., and end at approximately 2:39 p.m.
This is expected to be the last total solar eclipse seen in the United States until April 8, 2024. Be sure to use caution when looking at the sun, use special eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. Just in case you are unable to catch this one, the total solar eclipse in 2024 is expected to pass through Central Texas.
Photo credit: NASA
Photo credit: Rick Fienberg/TravelQuest Int'l/Wilderness Travel