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NASA Maps Solar Eclipses of 2023 and 2024

by Joshua Stevens
October 16, 2023
Natural Wonders
A map showing the contiguous United States and the paths of solar eclipses that will happen in 2023 and 2024.

(Source: NASA SVS)

Almost all life on planet Earth depends on the Sun. The angle of its energy—due to Earth’s axial tilt—dictates the seasons. Light from the Sun rules our daily rhythms. But now and then, for a moment, the Sun goes dark.

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon’s shape completely blocks the Sun. Since the Moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical, the Moon’s distance from Earth varies. On occasion, the Moon’s orbit takes it far enough from Earth that it cannot completely block the Sun. Instead, the Moon appears within the Sun’s outline, leaving a bright ring around the edges. This is an annular solar eclipse.

New maps from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Scientific Visualization Studio (SVS) reveal the paths of the 2023 annular solar eclipse and the 2024 total solar eclipse.

A map showing the contiguous United States and the paths of solar eclipses that will happen in 2023 and 2024.
Explore when and where the eclipses will be seen within the contiguous United States. (Source: NASA SVS)

Witnessing a solar eclipse can be a profound experience. During totality, when the Sun blocks the Moon for several minutes, day turns to night. Crickets begin to chirp and the behavior of birds changes in an instant. A total solar eclipse is an opportunity to see our surroundings in—quite literally—a whole new light.

Detailed views of the 2023 and 2024 eclipse paths across the United States and the western hemisphere.
From informative labels to city lights that appear in the path of 2024's total solar eclipse, this map is full of details and polish. (Source: NASA SVS)

The orbital motions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are complex, but the equations are well understood. This makes it possible to simulate orbits and know when eclipses will occur. For those in the US, during 2023 and 2024, this stunning map makes that easy and delightful to do.

More to Explore

  • Check out other eclipse maps, stories, and data downloads from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio.
  • See how a solar eclipse can be observed by satellites and cameras.
  • Learn more about safely viewing a solar eclipse.

About This Map

Title
The 2023 and 2024 Eclipses: Map and Data
Creator
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
Data Sources

N/A

Tags
Astronomy Eclipse NASA
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