In the lead-up to North America’s total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, there is some confusion about the date of the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. Many outlets mistakenly state that the next total solar eclipse will occur on August 23, 2044, but the correct date is actually March 30, 2033. This misinformation may stem from NASA’s website, which states that the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States will be in 2044.
The total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033, will be visible from Alaska and Siberia, Russia. Locations such as St. Lawrence Island, Barrow/Utqiagvik, Kotzebue, or Nome in Alaska will witness a short totality just after sunrise, lasting a maximum of 2 minutes and 37 seconds. This event is set to occur during the peak season for the aurora borealis, adding to the spectacle of the eclipse.
Following that, the next total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. is set for August 22, 2044. This eclipse will last a maximum of 2 minutes and 4 seconds and will be visible from Greenland, northern Canada, as well as the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota. The path of totality will attract crowds to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Canada, along with cities like Calgary and Edmonton.
In addition to these eclipses, on August 12, 2045, North America will experience a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse. This event will be visible in the U.S., Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and Brazil. Cities like Reno, Salt Lake City, Colorado Springs, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami will witness totality lasting up to 6 minutes and 4 seconds. The Kennedy Space Center in Florida is expected to have significant crowds for this event.
While total solar eclipses are not exclusive to America, occurring approximately every 18 months, the next one is set for Greenland, Iceland, and Spain on August 12, 2026. This will be followed by a total solar eclipse that spans from Spain to Australia, offering a prime viewing opportunity for those in different parts of the world. Stay updated with the latest information on the upcoming total solar eclipses, and may you have clear skies and wide eyes for these celestial events.
