DR. SKY BLOG

There’s time to prepare for the next major total solar eclipse

Aug 14, 2019, 2:15 PM | Updated: Aug 15, 2019, 8:10 am

(AP Photo)...

(AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

With the second anniversary of the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse just a week away, many wonder when they will get to see another eclipse like that.

The answer is April 8, 2024.

That may seem like a long time in the future, but if you are an eclipse chaser, you know that this is plenty of time to prepare for the next big one!

The Aug. 21 event was witnessed by millions of people all across the United States and to many, this was one of most memorable events in a lifetime.

I was lucky enough to conduct a special event for well over 500 guests in Rigby, Idaho, under cloudless skies and perfect weather.

That total solar eclips, was my fourth and was the best one that I ever attended.

Here is the entire story of that great eclipse.

This was a great time and one that I will not forget.

Along with this trip, we got to meet so many fellow eclipse chasers and spend at least eight hours just trying to get out of that area in Idaho and back on the main highway.

A total solar eclipse is quite rare and you must be in the shadow of the moon to experience the full nature of the eclipse.

The line of totality can be some 70 miles wide.

Another type of eclipse that is close to a total solar eclipse is an annular eclipse of the sun.

This takes place when the moon is not large enough to cover the sun and a ring of light, is seen around it.

This can be a dangerous eclipse to view with the naked eye.

Always have the proper approved solar glasses to view any type of solar eclipse.

Here is the video of an annular eclipse of the sun back on May 20, 2012.

There will be another annular eclipse of the sun, which will be visible to us, close to Phoenix on Oct. 14, 2023.

Here are some details.

The eclipse will pass over the Four Corners area of Arizona and last for some 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Here is the Google eclipse map for this event.

This will be a good test run for the grand event, the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, which will be one of the best and seen by more people, just like the August 2017 event.

Here are the details of the April 8, 2014 total solar eclipse.

It’s never too early to start preparing for these great events!

To print your own monthly star chart, click here.

To view satellites/dates/times of passage, click here.

Listen to the Dr. Sky Show on KTAR News 92.3 FM every Saturday morning at 3 a.m.

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There’s time to prepare for the next major total solar eclipse