2024 Total Solar Eclipse

The virtual camera flies from the night side of the Earth and Moon to the day side, revealing the path of the Moon's shadow during the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. Includes narration by the visualizer.Music provided by Universal Production Music: “ Bright Determination” – Julien VonarbThis video can also be viewed on the NASA Goddard YouTube channel. || flyaround.0900.n_print.jpg (1024x576) [196.9 KB] || eclipse24_flyaround_narrated.mp4 (1920x1080) [85.2 MB] || eclipse24_flyaround_narrated_prores.mov (1920x1080) [626.7 MB] || eclipse24_flyaround_narrated.webm (1920x1080) [6.2 MB] || eclipse24_flyaround_captions.en-US.en_US.srt [1.2 KB] || eclipse24_flyaround_captions.en-US.en_US.vtt [1.1 KB] ||

The path of totality and partial contours crossing the U.S. for the 2024 total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024. || eclipse_map_2024_QR_1920.png (1920x960) [3.4 MB] || eclipse_map_2024_QR.png (22500x11250) [128.8 MB] || eclipse_map_2024_QR_10800.png (10800x5400) [77.1 MB] || eclipse_map_2024_QR_5400.png (5400x2700) [23.0 MB] || eclipse_map_2024_QR_1920_searchweb.png (320x180) [111.9 KB] || eclipse_map_2024_QR_1920_thm.png (80x40) [7.2 KB] ||

|| An embedded version of the 2023 Eclipse Explorer. The standalone version is available at https://go.nasa.gov/EclipseExplorer. || eclipse_explorer_screenshot_print.jpg (1024x661) [170.8 KB] || eclipse_explorer_screenshot.png (3456x2234) [6.1 MB] || eclipse_explorer_screenshot_searchweb.png (320x180) [73.4 KB] || eclipse_explorer_screenshot_thm.png (80x40) [8.9 KB] ||

The map was updated on March 15, 2023, to correct times in Mexico along the total eclipse path. ||

The map was updated on March 15, 2023, to correct times in Mexico along the total eclipse path.Two solar eclipses will cross the United States in 2023 and 2024. On October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will create a “ring of fire” in the sky from Oregon to Texas. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will darken the skies from Texas to Maine. On both dates, all 48 contiguous states in the U.S. will experience a partial solar eclipse. ||

Due to their relative scale and distances, the disks of the Sun and the Moon appear to be almost the same size in the sky when standing on Earth. This means that even though the Moon is much smaller than the Sun, it can block most or all of the Sun's light, resulting in a dark shadow over Earth called a solar eclipse.These videos are designed to help describe some of the dynamics that determine how solar eclipses work and why they are important for those of us living on Earth. ||

Solar Eclipse Animation || Solar_eclipseHD_00840_print.jpg (1024x576) [42.6 KB] || Solar_eclipseHD_00840_searchweb.png (320x180) [45.3 KB] || Solar_eclipseHD_00840_thm.png (80x40) [4.5 KB] || Solar_eclipse_prores.mov (1920x1080) [1.0 GB] || Solar_eclipse_h264.mov (1920x1080) [1.0 GB] || Solar_eclipse4K_h264.mov (2000x2000) [316.9 MB] || frames/1920x1080_16x9_60p/ (1920x1080) [128.0 KB] || Solar_eclipseHD.mp4 (1920x1080) [4.5 MB] || Solar_eclipse_prores.webm (1920x1080) [3.3 MB] || Solar_eclipse4K_prores.mov (3840x2160) [3.7 GB] || frames/3840x2160_16x9_60p/ (3840x2160) [128.0 KB] || Solar_eclipse4K_prores_30fps.mp4 (3840x2160) [11.8 MB] || eclipse.en_US.srt [372 bytes] || eclipse.en_US.vtt [386 bytes] ||

Music: Witch Waltz by Dorian KellyComplete transcript available.Watch this video on the NASA Goddard YouTube channel. || EclipsePlane_V7.00001_print.jpg (1024x576) [79.6 KB] || EclipsePlane_V7.00001_searchweb.png (320x180) [62.0 KB] || EclipsePlane_V7.00001_thm.png (80x40) [3.8 KB] || EclipsePlane_V7.mov (1920x1080) [1.6 GB] || EclipsePlane_V7.mp4 (1920x1080) [63.0 MB] || EclipsePlane_V7_1.mp4 (1920x1080) [91.4 MB] || EclipsePlane_V7.webm (1920x1080) [5.7 MB] || EclipsePlane_V7.en_US.srt [499 bytes] || EclipsePlane_V7.en_US.vtt [511 bytes] ||

The Moon moves right to left in its orbit around the Earth. The shadow it casts hits the Earth during the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse. || sun_earth.0240_print.jpg (1024x576) [41.2 KB] || sun_earth.0240_searchweb.png (320x180) [37.9 KB] || sun_earth.0240_thm.png (80x40) [3.9 KB] || eclipse2017sunearth_1080p30.mp4 (1920x1080) [3.6 MB] || eclipse2017sunearth_720p30.mp4 (1280x720) [1.6 MB] || frames/1920x1080_16x9_30p/ (1920x1080) [32.0 KB] || eclipse2017sunearth_720p30.webm (1280x720) [2.7 MB] || eclipse2017sunearth_360p30.mp4 (640x360) [514.7 KB] ||

The Moon orbits the Earth in the months prior to the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse. Viewed from above, the Moon's shadow appears to cross the Earth every month, but a side view reveals the five-degree tilt of the Moon's orbit. Its shadow only hits the Earth when the line of nodes, the fulcrum of its orbital tilt, is pointed toward the Sun. || orbit.0350_print.jpg (1024x576) [37.8 KB] || orbit.0350_searchweb.png (320x180) [37.6 KB] || orbit.0350_thm.png (80x40) [4.1 KB] || eclipse_orbit_720p30.webm (1280x720) [3.3 MB] || eclipse_orbit_1080p30.mp4 (1920x1080) [3.6 MB] || eclipse_orbit_720p30.mp4 (1280x720) [1.8 MB] || frames/1920x1080_16x9_30p/orbit/ (1920x1080) [32.0 KB] || eclipse_orbit_1080p30.mov (1920x1080) [391.1 MB] || eclipse_orbit_360p30.mp4 (640x360) [662.1 KB] ||

It is never safe to look directly at the Sun – even if the Sun is partially obscured. When watching a partial solar eclipse, you must wear eclipse glasses at all times when looking at the Sun, or use an indirect viewing method. This also applies during a total solar eclipse up until the moment when the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon.During the short time when the Moon completely obscures the Sun – known as the period of totality – it is safe to look directly at the star without eye protection. However, it’s crucial that you know when it’s safe to both remove and put back on your safe solar viewing glasses.To learn more about eclipses visit: science.nasa.gov/eclipses. ||

It is never safe to look directly at the Sun – even if the Sun is partially obscured. When watching a partial solar eclipse, you must wear eclipse glasses at all times when looking at the Sun, or use an indirect viewing method. This also applies during a total solar eclipse up until the moment when the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon.During the short time when the Moon completely obscures the Sun – known as the period of totality – it is safe to look directly at the star without eye protection. However, it’s crucial that you know when it’s safe to both remove and put back on your safe solar viewing glasses.To learn more about eclipses visit: science.nasa.gov/eclipses. ||

Want to view a solar eclipse but don’t have eclipse glasses? No problem! An easy way to safely view a solar eclipse is with a box pinhole projector. With a few simple supplies, you can create a safe and fun way to experience the magic of an eclipse from anywhere. Watch this how-to video to see just how easy it is! ||

How can you tell if your eclipse glasses are safe? With the annular solar eclipse just around on the corner on Oct. 14, 2023, here is a quick and easy way to make sure your eclipse glasses are safe to use.When watching an annular eclipse directly with your eyes, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. Eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses – no matter how dark, sunglasses are not safe for viewing the Sun.To learn more about eclipse safety, visit: http://go.nasa.gov/EclipseEyeSafety ||

B-roll for August 21st Eclipse, filmed at NASA'S Goddard Space Flight Center's mall and visitor center. || GSFC_ECLIPSE2017BROLL_TW@N_Handleman.06600_print.jpg (1024x576) [177.8 KB] || GSFC_ECLIPSE2017BROLL_TW@N_Handleman.06600_searchweb.png (320x180) [115.7 KB] || GSFC_ECLIPSE2017BROLL_TW@N_Handleman.06600_thm.png (80x40) [7.9 KB] || GSFC_ECLIPSE2017BROLL_TW@N_Handleman.mov (1280x720) [3.2 GB] || GSFC_ECLIPSE2017BROLL_TW@N_Handleman.mp4 (1280x720) [266.8 MB] || GSFC_ECLIPSE2017BROLL_TW@N_Handleman.webm (1280x720) [30.1 MB] ||

People watch a partial eclipse in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Mar. 20, 2015. Credit: Robin Cordiner || RobinCordiner.jpg (926x618) [118.5 KB] || RobinCordinerlg_print.jpg (1024x683) [681.3 KB] || RobinCordinerlg.jpg (7065x4715) [22.0 MB] || RobinCordinerlg_searchweb.png (320x180) [98.8 KB] || RobinCordinerlg_web.png (320x213) [114.5 KB] || RobinCordinerlg_thm.png (80x40) [6.7 KB] ||

In October 2023, NASA is launching the Heliophysics Big Year – a global celebration of solar science and the Sun’s influence on Earth, our solar system, and beyond. Modeled after the “Big Year” concept from citizen scientists in the bird-watching community, the Heliophysics Big Year challenges everyone to get involved with fun Sun-related activities.Visit go.nasa.gov/HelioBigYear to learn more! ||

In October 2023, NASA is launching the Heliophysics Big Year – a global celebration of solar science and the Sun’s influence on Earth, our solar system, and beyond. Modeled after the “Big Year” concept from citizen scientists in the bird-watching community, the Heliophysics Big Year challenges everyone to get involved with Sun-related activities. The Heliophysics Big Year begins in October 2023 and runs through December 2024. ||

The Heliophysics Big Year is a global celebration of solar science and the Sun’s influence on Earth and the entire solar system.During the Heliophysics Big Year, you will have the opportunity to participate in many solar science events such as watching solar eclipses, experiencing an aurora, participating in citizen science projects, and other fun Sun-related activities.Join us from October 2023 to December 2024!go.nasa.gov/HelioBigYear ||

The Heliophysics Big Year is a NASA-led public engagement campaign designed to promote heliophysics broadly, make heliophysics science and information accessible to all, and showcase ongoing efforts to understand the Sun and all that it touches. We are challenging the public to participate in as many Sun science activities as possible from October 2023 to December 2024, leading up to and around solar maximum.This page contains graphic elements for use in promotion and support of the Heliophysics Big Year. Anyone supporting the Heliophysics Big Year effort may use these resources in accordance with the guidance listed in the captions. ||

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, the Goddard Visitor Center featured heliophysics - the study of the Sun and its effects across the solar system - as part of the Sunday Experiment series. Activities included solar viewing using Sunspotters, Solarscopes, and solar glasses. Make your own Ultraviolet bead bracelet and Sun art. Attendees enjoyed disscussions and a question-and-answer session with heliophysics subject matter experts as well as eclipse videos playing on a loop throughout the day. ||

Music credit: “Make a Change” by Eric Chevalier [SACEM] from Universal Production Music.Complete transcript available. || HAMSCI_thumb.png (1280x720) [2.0 MB] || HAMSCI_thumb_print.jpg (1024x576) [281.9 KB] || HAMSCI_thumb_searchweb.png (320x180) [133.0 KB] || HAMSCI_thumb_thm.png (80x40) [8.5 KB] || HamSCI_Video_2024.mp4 (1920x1080) [194.9 MB] || HamSCI_Video_2024.webm (1920x1080) [12.0 MB] || HAMSCI.en_US.srt [2.2 KB] || HAMSCI.en_US.vtt [2.1 KB] ||

In April 2024, volunteers can join the Eclipse Soundscapes project to help NASA scientists better understand how wildlife is impacted by solar eclipses. Volunteers will gather sound recordings, make observations using any of their senses, and even help with data analysis from across the path of the eclipse. This video features interviews from Eclipse Soundscapes experts MaryKay Severino, Dr. William “Trae” Winter III, and Dr. William Oestreich, and highlights natural resource manager Dr. Chace Holzhueser at Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, who will be conducting a similar study for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.Visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/citizen-science/ to learn more! ||

Solar eclipses are awe-inspiring experiences – but did you know you can help NASA study them? Many NASA discoveries are achieved with help from volunteer scientists like you! Here are some of the citizen science projects kicking off for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.Visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/citizen-science/ to learn more! ||

50 years ago, on December 7, 1972, an astronaut looked out the window of the Apollo 17 spacecraft and snapped a photo that would become a symbol of Earth as our precious, fragile home. The image, centered at about 40 E longitude, shows Earth at local noon near the winter solstice. Africa, Arabia, Madagascar, and Antarctica are visible under swirling clouds.Now, since 2015, NASA's Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) onboard NOAA's Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite has been imaging the sunlit side of Earth between 13 and 22 times a day from the Lagrange point 1, a million miles away from Earth. These images from EPIC show nearly identical views. The first, from Dec 7, 2022, was acquired on the 50-year anniversary of the iconic Blue Marble photo. The second, from summer solstice 2022, this image is centered further north than the original and shows Europe and Arctic sea ice. The third image, taken on December 4, 2021, nearly 49 years after the Blue Marble includes a new bonus feature: 2021’s only total solar eclipse. ||

NASA's Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) tracked the path of the total solar eclipse across North America on Aug. 21, 2017. On board NOAA's Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), EPIC collected these natural color images. Scientists set the instrument to gather images more frequently than usual to study this eclipse.Learn more about how EPIC contributed to research conducted during the 2017 total solar eclipse. ||

As millions of people across the United States experienced a total eclipse as the umbra, or Moon’s shadow passed over them, only six people witnessed the umbra from space. Viewing the eclipse from orbit were NASA’s Randy Bresnik, Jack Fischer and Peggy Whitson, ESA (European Space Agency’s) Paolo Nespoli, and Roscosmos’ Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Sergey Ryazanskiy. The space station crossed the path of the eclipse three times as it orbited above the continental United States at an altitude of 250 miles. Credit: NASA || iss052e056122.jpg (4928x3280) [844.0 KB] ||

This image is a composite photograph that shows the progression of the total solar eclipse over Madras, Oregon.http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=90796 || eclipsecomposite_pho_lrg.jpg (2231x1487) [541.4 KB] || eclipsecomposite_pho_lrg_searchweb.png (320x180) [47.2 KB] || eclipsecomposite_pho_lrg_thm.png (80x40) [3.3 KB] ||

Carbondale, IL - The Eclipse Ballooning Project inflating high altitude balloons in Saluki Stadium during the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse. Credit: NASA/Joy Ng || Balloons2_JoyNg_print.jpg (1024x682) [877.1 KB] || Balloons2_JoyNg.jpg (5760x3840) [9.8 MB] || Balloons_JoyNg.jpg (5760x3840) [13.4 MB] || Balloons2_JoyNg_searchweb.png (320x180) [122.4 KB] || Balloons2_JoyNg_web.png (320x213) [144.1 KB] || Balloons2_JoyNg_thm.png (80x40) [8.2 KB] ||