2024 Solar Eclipse: What is the Path of Totality?
You’ve got questions; we’ve got answers about the total solar eclipse in the Adirondack Park.
If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve saved the date — April 8, 2024 — for the next total solar eclipse. The eclipse will sweep over the Adirondack region, and we will be shrouded in darkness for over 3 minutes in some key areas, such as Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Long Lake. Total solar eclipses are rare; we can’t wait to witness this amazing phenomenon.
After 2024, the next total solar eclipse won't pass over the United States until 2044, and the Adirondack Park won't be in the path of totality again until 2099. So, unless you were born in 2022, plan to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event in April 2024 in the Adirondack Park.
What exactly is a total solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses are either total or annular, depending on the distance between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon. In a total eclipse, the Moon fully covers the Sun, while in an annular eclipse, the Moon only partially covers it, leaving a ring of light visible in the sky. In April of 2024, the U.S. will experience a total solar eclipse.
What is the Path of Totality, and where will it pass over the Adirondack Mountains?
During a solar eclipse, when the moon completely covers the Sun, it creates a shadow, known as the umbra, on the surface of the earth. This rare and awe-inspiring phenomenon happens when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align in such a way that the Moon, in its orbit, passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. As the moon continues its orbit, the shadow moves across the earth, creating the Path of Totality.
Check out this very cool video that tracks the Path of Totality as it crosses North America, including some of our favorite spots like Mason, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Dayton and Akron, Ohio; Buffalo, NY; and then onward to Boonville, Lowville, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Malone, Schroon Lake, Blue Mountain Lake and many other ADK locations.
Video showing the Path of Totality making it’s way across North America during the total solar eclipse in 2024.
A large part of the Adirondacks will be in the path of totality, which has several phases.
Phase one in the Path of Totality — first contact (aka partial eclipse):
As the moon begins to move in front of the sun, a small curved section of the sun starts to disappear, marking the beginning of the partial eclipse.
Second contact (Total Eclipse begins):
At the moment of second contact, a truly awe-inspiring event takes place - the total solar eclipse begins. As the moon gradually makes its way across the sun's face, the world around you begins to darken. And then, suddenly, the moon fully covers the sun, plunging the area into an eerie and captivating darkness. This is the onset of the total eclipse, a rare and unforgettable experience that few get to witness in their lifetime.
Totality:
Towns within the two green lines will experience Totality.
Within the path of totality, observers experience the most dramatic phase – Totality. The sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, becomes visible as a delicate, ethereal halo around the moon's black disk. The sky darkens, stars become visible, and the temperature drops, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.
Totality is the only time it is safe to view the sun with the naked eye, revealing its outer layers, usually hidden by its intense brightness.
Third contact (Total Eclipse ends):
After the exhilarating moments of totality, the moon starts to move away from the sun. The return of sunlight begins, marking the end of the total eclipse.
Fourth contact (Partial Eclipse ends):
The moon continues its journey across the sun until it entirely moves away. The eclipse enters its final phase, known as the partial eclipse, as the sun re-emerges from behind the moon.
It's important to note that while the Path of Totality is relatively narrow, often spanning only a few dozen miles in width, observers outside but close to the path will still witness a significant eclipse.
For example, Indian Lake is on the Path of Totality, but nearby Speculator is not. However, observers in Speculator will see a 99%+ eclipse.
Want to know what you will observe in your corner of the Adirondacks? Check out this interactive tool that simulates the eclipse experience based on your location.
The experience of Totality, with its eerie darkness and celestial displays, is a rare and unforgettable event that attracts enthusiasts and astronomers worldwide.
Rock out and look skyward: Our ultimate Total Solar Eclipse playlist on Spotify.
Check out our awesome soundtrack for experiencing the Solar Eclipse in the Adirondack Park on April 8, 2024. We’ve assembled a fantastic playlist on Spotify.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near the Path of Totality in the Adirondack Park.
