The misconception surrounding the date of the next total solar eclipse in North America persists despite clarifications. Many prominent sources erroneously claim that the subsequent total solar eclipse in the United States will take place on August 23, 2044, branding it as the “last for 20 years.”
Contrary to this misinformation, the accurate date for the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. and North America is March 30, 2033—a mere nine years away.
The confusion likely stems from information provided by NASA, where the eclipse on April 8, 2024, is followed by a statement indicating the next occurrence visible from the contiguous United States will be on August 23, 2044. However, it’s essential to note that the term “contiguous” specifically refers to the 48 adjoining U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This clarification comes from Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com, whose expertise is reflected in the Atlas of Solar Eclipses spanning from 2020 to 2045.
Now, let’s delve into the details of the upcoming total solar eclipses in 2033, 2044, and the highly anticipated “Greatest American Eclipse” in 2045.
The Next Total Solar Eclipse In The U.S. And North America (After April 8)
Date: March 30, 2033
Location:Alaska, U.S., and Siberia, Russia
Observers in Alaska, specifically in areas such as St. Lawrence Island, Barrow/Utqiagvik, Kotzebue, or Nome, will have the privilege of witnessing a brief totality approximately an hour after sunrise. This captivating phenomenon, reaching a maximum duration of 2 minutes and 37 seconds, will occur amidst the prime season for the aurora borealis, enhancing the experience.
The Next Total Solar Eclipse In The Contiguous U.S.
Date:August 22, 2044
On August 22, 2044, a total solar eclipse with a maximum duration of 2 minutes and 4 seconds will grace the skies over Greenland, northern Canada, and select regions of the United States, including Montana and North Dakota. Notably, areas such as Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Canada are expected to draw significant crowds, with Calgary and Edmonton falling within the path of totality.
The Next Coast-To-Coast Total Solar Eclipse In North America
Date:August 12, 2045
Location:U.S, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and Brazil
Less than a year following the total solar eclipse experience in Canada and the U.S., a monumental coast-to-coast eclipse awaits. With totality spanning as long as 6 minutes and 4 seconds, this celestial spectacle will be visible from various locations including Reno, Salt Lake City, Colorado Springs, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Notably, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, will host the longest duration of totality in the U.S., attracting substantial crowds to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
It’s crucial to recognize that total solar eclipses are not exclusive to the United States, occurring approximately every 18 months. The subsequent occurrence is slated for August 12, 2026, with Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, along with a small portion of Portugal, set to witness this awe-inspiring event.
By accurately understanding the dates and locations of upcoming total solar eclipses, enthusiasts can better prepare to witness these rare and captivating celestial occurrences.
