How and where to watch the April 8 solar eclipse online for free

Date: 2024-04-05
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On April 8, a complete solar eclipse will grace the skies over northern Mexico, sections of 15 U.S. states, and southeastern Canada. The event is imminent, just a few days away!

This eclipse is poised to become one of the most observed celestial phenomena ever, with more than 32 million individuals residing within the path of totality — a 115-mile (185-kilometer) wide trajectory across North America where the moon will obscure 100% of the sun's face.

If you're unable to witness the solar eclipse firsthand, fret not! You can catch all the captivating moments right here on Space.com, Live Science's sibling site, courtesy of NASA's live stream coverage. The broadcast kicks off at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) on Monday. Additionally, you can stay updated with comprehensive eclipse coverage via the total solar eclipse live blog and join the countdown to what promises to be the astronomical highlight of the year.

In the phenomenon of a total solar eclipse, the moon transits between Earth and the sun, presenting an appearance nearly identical in size to the sun. When totality occurs, the moon completely obscures the solar disk for a brief period (the length of which varies depending on your viewing location).

Total solar eclipse livestreams

This list will be updated as more livestreams become available as we approach the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Timeanddate livestream

The website dedicated to skywatching, timeanddate.com, will comprehensively follow the total solar eclipse from beginning to end through their livestream and live blog. These platforms will provide viewers with real-time updates on the eclipse's progress along with contextual information.

NASA livestream

Witness the total solar eclipse of 2024 live alongside NASA as it crosses North America on April 8, 2024, passing through Mexico, traversing the United States from Texas to Maine, and continuing over Canada's Atlantic coast.

The live broadcast will run from 1 to 4 p.m. EDT (1700 to 2000 GMT) on April 8. Throughout the transmission, NASA will engage in dialogues with experts and offer telescope perspectives of the eclipse from various locations along its path. Don't forget to submit your inquiries in the chat using #askNASA for a chance to have them answered in real-time.

UMaine livestream from the stratosphere

Experience eclipse observation like never before with the University of Maine's live feed from the stratosphere.

UMaine is part of the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project, coordinated by Montana State University (MSU), joining 75 institutions and 53 teams across the country. This initiative seeks to enhance STEM engagement among students from diverse higher education establishments through the collection of vital scientific data via high-altitude ballooning.

McDonald observatory livestream

The McDonald Observatory, a celestial research center affiliated with the University of Texas, will broadcast the total solar eclipse live on April 8.

"Come along as we delve into discussions about eclipses, their origins, safe viewing practices, and witness the eclipse's climax from three Texas spots: the McDonald Observatory, Lake Buchanan, and Irving," announced the McDonald Observatory in a statement regarding their YouTube livestream.

Notable locations for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Location                                              Totality (local time)                                  Totality duration

Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico                                  11:07 a.m. MST                                                           4 minutes 20 seconds

Durango, Durango, Mexico                                  12:12 p.m. CST                                                           3 minutes 50 seconds

Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico                                  12:16 p.m. CST                                                           4 minutes 11 seconds

Piedras Negras, Coahuila,                                        
Mexico/Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S.                                 1:27 p.m. CDT                                                           4 minutes 24 seconds
Kerrville, Texas, U.S.                                                  1:32 p.m. CDT                                                           4 minutes 25 seconds

Fredericksburg, Texas, U.S.                                  1:32 p.m. CDT                                                           4 minutes 25 seconds

Dallas, Texas, U.S.                                                  1:40 p.m. CDT                                                           3 minutes 52 seconds

Idabel, Oklahoma, U.S. U.S:                                  1:45 p.m CDT                                                          4 minutes 19 seconds

Russellville, Arkansas, U.S.                                  1:49 p.m. CDT                                                          4 minutes 12 seconds

Cape Girardeau, Missouri, U.S.                          1:58 p.m. CDT                                                          4 minutes 7 seconds

Carbondale, Illinois, U.S.                                          1:59 p.m. CDT                                                          4 minutes 10 seconds

Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.                                  3:04 p.m. EDT                                                          4 minutes 3 seconds

Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.                                  3:06 p.m. EDT                                                          3 minutes 51 seconds

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.                                                  3:13 p.m. EDT                                                          3 minutes 50 seconds

Erie, Pennsylvania U.S:                                          3:16 p.m. EDT                                                          3 minutes 43 seconds

Rochester, New York, U.S.                                  3:20 p.m. EDT                                                          3 minutes 40 seconds

Vermont, U.S.                                                          3:27 p.m. EDT                                                          1 minutes 42 seconds

Oakfield, Maine, U.S                                                  3:31 p.m. EDT                                                          3 minutes 23 seconds

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada                          3:18 p.m. EDT                                                          3 minutes 31 seconds

Montreal, Quebec, Canada                                  3:26 p.m. EDT                                                          1 minute 57 seconds

Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada                  4:34 p.m. ADT                                                          3 minutes 8 seconds

Tignish, Prince Edward Island, Canada          4:35 p.m. ADT                                                          3 minutes 12 seconds

Catalina, Newfoundland, Canada                          5:13 p.m. NDT                                                          2 minutes 53 seconds

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