Millions of people will look up at the sky on Monday to witness a total solar eclipse. The moon will pass in front of the sun, blocking its light for a brief moment. This celestial event will be a unique experience for those in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as it will not be easily accessible again for many years.
The path of the total solar eclipse, where the sun will be fully obscured by the moon, stretches from Mexico’s Pacific Coast to the fringes of Atlantic Canada. This path includes many major cities where authorities are preparing for an influx of visitors eager to witness this rare event.
In New York, signs along the Thruway advise travelers to plan ahead to avoid traffic jams caused by the eclipse. Closer to Niagara Falls, a more realistic message of “Expect Delays” is being shared.
This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the United States since 2017, and the next one visible in the lower 48 states won’t be until 2044. The majority of the country is expected to witness the eclipse. Many are checking weather forecasts in hopes of clear skies on Monday afternoon, but some areas may experience cloud cover or rain during totality.
Events and preparations are underway across North America, with cities canceling school and distributing protective glasses. Special events are planned, including street parties, animal studies at zoos, and eclipse displays.
In Mazatlán, Mexico, hotels are fully booked, cruise ships are offering special experiences, and tourists are flocking to the seaside to witness the eclipse. Authorities are expecting a large number of visitors for the event, with hotel prices soaring.
Greg Schmidt, the director of NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute, chose Mazatlán as the site to follow the eclipse due to favorable weather forecasts. In Dallas, many are already accepting that they may not see the eclipse and are considering traveling to future eclipse events.
Closer to Canada’s Niagara region, a state of emergency has been declared to ensure safety and police resources are available if needed. In New York State, preparations are being made for the eclipse, with officials bracing for potential traffic issues and other challenges.
Niagara Falls has been identified as a prime viewing spot for the eclipse, with experts suggesting that the falls’ mist may turn pink during the event. People from various places are traveling to witness the eclipse, with some opting for backyard viewings or public parks.
Special events and preparations are taking place in cities like Indianapolis, where the zoo is distributing eclipse glasses and ensuring that automatic lights do not disrupt the viewing experience. Staff at the zoo are excited to see how animals, like macaws, will react to the eclipse.
Reporting was contributed by Vjosa Isai from Toronto, Juliet Macur from Indianapolis, Dennis Overbye from Dallas, Simon Romero from Mazatlán, Mexico, and Jay Root from Niagara, N.Y.
