A total solar eclipse is set to mesmerize North America on April 8, 2024, with a path of totality that will stretch across 15 U.S. states, promising a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event for millions of people.

According to NASA, this spectacular phenomenon will kick off along Mexico's Pacific Coast at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT, before making its way across a vast stretch of the United States, traversing from Texas to Maine, and continuing into Canada. The path of totality, where the moon will fully block out the sun, will range between 108 and 122 miles wide, encompassing approximately 31.6 million individuals who reside within its reach. An additional 150 million people are situated within 200 miles of this awe-inspiring path.

The eclipse will commence over the Pacific Ocean and reach continental North America at Mexico's Pacific Coast. The totality will begin around 11:07 a.m. PDT and progress through various states, including Texas, and venture into southern Ontario, Canada. The eclipse's departure from continental North America is expected around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

While most of the states within the totality's path comprise smaller sections, Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the profound effect of this celestial event. Additionally, several major cities, including Chicago, Dallas, and New York City, will witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon, provided the weather conditions cooperate.

The eclipse will commence as a partial eclipse at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before transitioning into a total eclipse at approximately 1:27 p.m. CDT. Over the course of the next few hours, the eclipse will continue its journey towards the northeast.

To assist viewers in planning their experience, NASA has shared specific times for several cities on the path of totality. Alternatively, individuals can use NASA's map to determine the exact time the eclipse will reach their location or nearby areas.

It is important to note that even regions outside the path of totality may still catch a glimpse of a partial eclipse where the moon partially covers the sun. NASA advises that the closer one is to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun hidden from view.

To determine the amount of sun coverage at your location, NASA allows viewers to input their ZIP code. However, some areas on the path of totality may face higher chances of cloud cover that could hamper visibility. NASA provides a map showing historical cloud cover trends for reference, and viewers can also consult The Weather Channel for up-to-date forecasts in their respective areas.

Viewers near Torreón, Mexico, are in for a treat, as they will experience the longest duration of totality, lasting an impressive 4 minutes and 28 seconds, according to NASA. Most places along the path of totality will enjoy a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes, with Kerrville, Texas, coming close to the maximum at 4 minutes and 24 seconds.

Following the upcoming April 8 eclipse, the next opportunity for Americans to witness a total solar eclipse will be on August 23, 2044. However, compared to the upcoming event, the 2044 eclipse will only touch three states, providing fewer chances for astronomy enthusiasts to experience this captivating phenomenon.

As the scheduled date approaches, anticipation continues to build for the 2024 total solar eclipse that will illuminate the skies across North America. Whether observing from the path of totality or catching a glimpse of the partial eclipse elsewhere, this extraordinary event promises to captivate and amaze all who have the privilege to witness it.