by -
In April, millions of Americans can experience a total solar eclipse as it sweeps across the US.
-
NASA says where to watch is important because eclipses rarely happen in the same place twice.
-
Here is a list of the 10 largest cities in the United States in the path of totality.
On April 8, more than two dozen US cities will go dark when a total solar eclipse completely obliterates the sun.
These cities are in what is known as the “path of totality,” which will run from southwest Texas to northern Maine.
Those not in the path of totality will not experience a total eclipse but will still be able to see a portion. However, experts say it’s worth traveling to see the total eclipse if you can.
“When you’re choosing your location, you’re choosing something special,” Kelly Korreck, NASA’s program manager for the 2024 solar eclipse, told Business Insider.
Solar eclipses occur fairly frequently around the world, but a total eclipse will pass over the same city only every 400 to 1,000 years, Korreck said. “You’ll probably never see another one there in your life,” she said.
Here are the top 10 cities located in the path of totality for the Great American Eclipse of 2024.
Dayton, OH
Population size: 137,571
A total eclipse begins: 3:09 pm local time
Total duration: ~2 minutes 43 seconds
This is the first time since 1806 that Ohio has seen a total solar eclipse.
In Dayton, eclipse watchers are invited to gather at the National Museum of the US Air Force for free. The museum will offer free parking, viewing space, and access to the museum’s collection of more than 360 aerospace vehicles.
Waco, TX
Population size: 139,594
A total eclipse begins: 1:38 pm local time
Total duration: ~4 minutes 12 seconds
Waco, Texas will celebrate the eclipse with a full day of fun activities for the whole family.
You can buy tickets for $20 to join astronomers from Lowell Observatory and Baylor University at McLane Stadium. The event will include telescopes, educational programs, and food trucks.
Syracuse, NY
Population size: 146,103
A total eclipse begins: 3:23 pm local time
Total duration: ~1 minute 24 seconds
After this one, Syracuse, NY will not see another total solar eclipse for 379 years.
The city’s Museum of Science and Technology will host a free eclipse festival open to the public with food trucks and board activities.
But if you plan to be in Syracuse a few days before, you’ll be just in time for a lecture on the 1925 solar eclipse that inspired eclipse research at the Colby Radio Research Lab. This event will be hosted on April 6 at the Cayuga Museum of History and Art.
Little Rock, AR
Population size: 201,998
A total eclipse begins: 1:52 pm local time
Total duration: ~2 minutes 29 seconds
Solar eclipses have been shown to cause some unusual animal behavior.
At Zú na Carraige Beaga, you may see this mysterious phenomenon for yourself. The zoo invites eclipse watchers to join them for a Picnic Party on the Trail that includes food, games and zoo admission. Tickets are $20-$32.
Rochester, New York
Population size: 210,606
A total eclipse begins: 3:20 pm local time
Total duration: ~3 minutes 38 seconds
Rochester, New York is celebrating the eclipse with a full week of events.
These include a live performance by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra featuring music from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “ET the Extra-Terrestrial,” and more of your favorite retro space movies on April 7.
On the day of the eclipse, viewers can watch from a variety of locations, including the Rochester Public Market, Seneca Park Zoo, and Lazy Acre Alpaca Farm.
Buffalo, NY
Population size: 276,807
A total eclipse begins: 3:20 pm local time
Total duration: ~3 minutes 45 seconds
Buffalo is the third largest city in New York in the path of totality.
Eclipse watchers in Buffalo can raise a glass to this unforgettable experience at Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, a German microbrewery and music venue. The brewery is now taking reservations for its eclipse viewing party in its Biergarten featuring live music, food and drink specials.
Cleveland, OH
Population size: 367,991
A total eclipse begins: 3:15 pm local time
Total duration: ~3 minutes 50 seconds
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the total solar eclipse in Cleveland. This city will not be within the path of totality for another 421 years.
Make sure you get there a few days early to enjoy, for free, all three days of Cleveland’s Total Eclipse Fest, hosted by the Great Lakes Science Center. Visiting NASA scientists, engineers and educators will offer educational programs and activities for eclipse enthusiasts of all ages.
Indianapolis, IN
Population size: 882,039
A total eclipse begins: 3:07 pm local time
Total duration: ~3 minutes 47 seconds
If you miss the 2024 total solar eclipse in Indianapolis, you might be able to catch the next one in 2044.
But you won’t want to miss the city’s celebratory Eclipse Weekend full of parties, movies and games. Eclipse watchers are invited to gather for the event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. General admission tickets are $20. NASA experts will be there and ready to answer all your questions about the eclipse.
Austin, TX
Population size: 964,177
A total eclipse begins: 1:36 pm local time
Total duration: ~1 minute 46 seconds
This is the first total solar eclipse in Austin, Texas in over 600 years.
The Long Center and the Simons Foundation invite Austin eclipse watchers to join them for a free Eclipse Viewing Party on the Long Center Lawn, hosted by Radiolab’s Molly Webster.
At the Moody Amphitheater, the band Vampire Weekend will be playing a live concert during the eclipse. The ticket prices are not cheap, however.
Or, viewers can venture just outside of Austin to view the eclipse in the picturesque Hill Country of Texas. This region is famous for its picturesque hills and valleys and attracts over 5 million visitors every year.
Dallas, TX
Population size: 1,288,000
A total eclipse begins: 1:42 pm local time
Total duration: ~3 minutes 49 seconds
Dallas is the largest city in the path of totality.
Some of the city’s ticketed viewing events are already sold out, but you can still buy group tickets to view them from the Dallas Archives and Botanical Gardens while the gardens are in bloom. Or, head downtown for a lunchtime watch party featuring live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
Watch responsibly
Wherever you choose to view the Great American Eclipse, remember that it is never safe to look directly at the sun without protection.
Plus, sunglasses aren’t dark enough to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse, NASA eclipse program manager Kelly Korreck told BI. You need ISO-certified eclipse glasses to view it safely.
Eclipse watchers who plan to travel for the event should make sure to take general safety precautions, Korreck said.
“Make sure you know where you’re going, that you have enough gas, that you have enough food, that you have water, especially because there could be traffic when you’re leaving the event,” she said.
Korreck encourages anyone who can watch this event from the path of totality to take advantage of the opportunity.
“It’s really a full-body experience,” she said.
Read the original article on Business Insider
