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This April, millions of Americans could see a total solar eclipse as it sweeps across the US.
NASA says it's important to choose where to look because eclipses rarely occur in the same place twice.
Here is a list of the 10 largest American cities on the path of totality.
On April 8, more than twenty American cities will plunge into darkness when a total solar eclipse completely obscures the sun.
These towns lie on what's called the "path of totality," which runs from southwestern Texas to northern Maine.
Those who are not on the path of totality will not experience a total solar eclipse, but may still witness a partial solar eclipse. However, experts say it's worth traveling to see the total solar eclipse if you can make it.
"By choosing your location, you're really choosing something special," Kelly Korreck, NASA's program manager for the 2024 solar eclipse, told Business Insider.
Solar eclipses are relatively common worldwide, but a total solar eclipse will only pass over the same city every 400 to 1,000 years, Korreck said. "You probably won't see another one there in your entire life," she added.
Here are the 10 largest cities in the path of totality for the Great American Eclipse of 2024.
Dayton, OH
Population size: 137,571
Total solar eclipse begins: 3:09 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~2 minutes 43 seconds
This will be the first time since 1806 that Ohio will see a total solar eclipse.
In Dayton, eclipse observers are invited to meet for free at the National Museum of the US Air Force. The museum also offers free parking, viewing space and access to the museum's collection of more than 360 aerospace vehicles.
Waco, Texas
Population size: 139,594
Total solar eclipse begins: 1:38 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~4 minutes 12 seconds
Waco, Texas celebrates the solar eclipse with a full day of fun activities for the whole family.
You can purchase tickets for $20 to join astronomers from Lowell Observatory and Baylor University at McLane Stadium. The event will include telescopes, educational programming and food trucks.
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Syracuse, NY
Population size: 146,103
Total solar eclipse begins: 3:23 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~1 minute 24 seconds
After this, Syracuse, New York will not experience another total solar eclipse for 379 years.
The city's Museum of Science and Technology hosts a free eclipse festival open to the public with food trucks and tabletop activities.
But if you plan to be in Syracuse a few days early, you'll be just in time for a lecture on the 1925 solar eclipse that inspired eclipse research at the Colby Radio Research Lab. This event will take place on April 6 at the Cayuga Museum of History and Art.
Little Rock, AR
Population size: 201,998
Total solar eclipse begins: 13:52 local time
Duration of totality: ~2 minutes 29 seconds
Solar eclipses have been shown to cause unusual behavior in animals.
At the Little Rock Zoo you may be able to experience this mysterious phenomenon for yourself. The zoo invites eclipse watchers to a Party on the Path picnic with food, games and admission to the zoo. Tickets cost $20-$32.
Rochester, NY
Population size: 210,606
Total solar eclipse begins: 3:20 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~3 minutes 38 seconds
Rochester, New York is celebrating the solar eclipse with a whole week of events.
Among them is a live performance by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra featuring music from "2001: A Space Odyssey," "ET the Extra-Terrestrial" and more of your favorite retro space movies on April 7.
On the day of the eclipse, spectators can watch from several locations, including the Rochester Public Market, the Seneca Park Zoo and Lazy Acre Alpaca Farm.
Buffalo, NY
Population size: 276,807
Total solar eclipse begins: 3:20 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~3 minutes 45 seconds
Buffalo is New York's third major city on the path of totality.
Eclipse observers in Buffalo can raise a glass to this unforgettable experience at Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, a German microbrewery and music venue. The brewery is now taking reservations for the eclipse watch party in the Biergarten with live music, food and drinks.
Cleveland, OH
Population size: 367,991
Total solar eclipse begins: 3:15 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~3 minutes 50 seconds
Viewing the total solar eclipse in Cleveland is a unique opportunity. This city will not fall within the path of totality for the next 421 years.
Make sure you get there a few days early so you can enjoy all three days of Cleveland's Total Eclipse Fest, hosted by the Great Lakes Science Center, for free. Visiting NASA scientists, engineers and educators will offer educational programs and activities for eclipse enthusiasts of all ages.
Indianapolis, IN
Population size: 882,039
Total solar eclipse begins: 3:07 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~3 minutes 47 seconds
If you miss the 2024 total solar eclipse in Indianapolis, you might be able to see the next one in 2044.
But you won't want to miss the city's festive Eclipse Weekend, full of parties, movies and games. Eclipse watchers are invited to gather at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the event. General admission tickets cost $20. NASA experts will be present and ready to answer any questions you may have about the eclipse.
Austin, Texas
Population size: 964,177
Total solar eclipse begins: 1:36 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~1 minute 46 seconds
This is the first total solar eclipse in Austin, Texas in more than 600 years.
The Long Center and the Simons Foundation invite Austin eclipse watchers to a free Eclipse Viewing Party on the Long Center Lawn, hosted by Molly Webster of Radiolab.
The band Vampire Weekend will play a live concert during the solar eclipse at the Moody Amphitheater. However, ticket prices are not cheap.
Or spectators can venture just outside of Austin to watch the eclipse in the picturesque Hill Country of Texas. Known for its picturesque rolling hills and valleys, this region attracts more than 5 million visitors every year.
Dallas, Texas
Population size: 1,288,000
Total solar eclipse begins: 1:42 PM local time
Duration of totality: ~3 minutes 49 seconds
Dallas is the largest city on the path of totality.
Several of the city's viewing events have already sold out, but you can still buy group tickets to watch from the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden as the gardens are in full bloom. Or head downtown for a lunch party with live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
Look responsibly
Wherever you choose to view the Great American Eclipse, remember that it is never safe to look directly at the sun without protection.
Additionally, sunglasses are not dark enough to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse, Kelly Korreck, manager of NASA eclipse programs, told BI. To view it safely, you need ISO-certified eclipse glasses.
Eclipse watchers planning to travel for the event should make sure they take general safety precautions, Korreck said.
"Make sure you know where you are going, that you have enough gas, food and water, especially as there may be traffic as you leave the event," she said.
Korreck encourages all who can view this event from the path of totality to take advantage of this opportunity.
"It really is a full-body experience," she said.
Read the original article on Business Insider
