Live: Solar Eclipse Spectacular 2024

April 8, 2024, marks the date when a total solar eclipse will sweep across the continental United States, providing a thrilling and captivating opportunity for observation and scientific study. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely obscuring the face of the Sun. Those within the path of the Moon’s shadow, as it falls upon the Earth, will experience the full eclipse. The sky will darken as if at dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, individuals along the path of totality may witness the solar corona or outer atmosphere, typically hidden by the Sun’s bright face. This total solar eclipse will be visible in 15 U.S. states, while a partial solar eclipse will be visible across all 49 continental states. Eclipses provide a unique opportunity to engage in a celestial event, and experiencing an eclipse is one way everyone can participate in NASA science. You don’t have to be within the eclipse path to get involved. Scientists can utilize a total solar eclipse to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona. We also study the corona through other means. Investigating our Sun and its interactions with Earth is made possible through innovative NASA missions. Technological advancements enable us to send spacecraft closer to the Sun than ever before and even study the corona from within.