GMA3: What You Need to Know, April 8, 2024, ABC, Reporting on the Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024, GMA3: What You Need to Know brings viewers a special report on the highly anticipated solar eclipse, a rare celestial event that has captured the fascination of people across the nation. Airing at 1:00 p.m. EDT on ABC, this episode takes viewers on a journey across the country to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.

ABC News correspondents are strategically positioned in various locations to provide comprehensive coverage of the solar eclipse. With their expertise and on-the-ground insights, they guide viewers through this unique event, offering a deeper understanding of the science behind it and its significance.

The Great North American Eclipse

On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, sky-gazers across North America will be treated to a rare and remarkable phenomenon: a total solar eclipse. Dubbed the “Great North American Eclipse,” this celestial event will cast a shadow of darkness across the continent, providing a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of a solar eclipse.

The Path of Totality
The path of totality for this eclipse will begin in Mexico, crossing through the states of Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila. It will then enter the United States, passing through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total eclipse. The path will then continue into Canada, covering parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, before ending on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland.

Timing and Duration
The total eclipse will first be visible along Mexico’s Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, with the path of totality stretching across a swath of the United States from Texas to Maine. The duration of totality will vary along the path, with most places experiencing between 3.5 and 4 minutes of darkness. Near the Mexican town of Nazas, Durango, the duration of totality will reach its maximum of 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

A Rare Occurrence
This eclipse marks the first total solar eclipse visible in Canada since 1979, the first in Mexico since 1991, and the first in the United States since 2017. It is also the only total solar eclipse in the 21st century where totality will be visible in all three North American countries simultaneously. The next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States will not occur until August 23, 2044, making this a rare and highly anticipated event.

Safety Precautions
It is important to note that looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage. Special eclipse glasses or solar filters for telescopes and cameras are necessary to safely view the event. Additionally, finding a suitable viewing location, taking weather conditions into account, is essential for optimal viewing.

A Celestial Event to Remember

The Great North American Eclipse will be a spectacular sight, with the moon passing between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s rays and turning day into darkness. This alignment of the celestial bodies will create a unique experience for those within the path of totality, as well as providing a partial eclipse for surrounding regions.

With the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States nearly two decades away, this event is a rare treat for astronomy enthusiasts and the general public alike. It serves as a reminder of the vastness of the universe and our place within it, providing a sense of perspective and wonder.

So, on April 9, 2024, take a moment to look skyward, don your eclipse glasses, and marvel at the beauty and mysteries of the cosmos.

As the nation comes together to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon, GMA3: What You Need to Know captures the excitement and wonder of the moment. By providing comprehensive coverage and educational content, the show ensures that viewers not only enjoy the spectacle but also come away with a deeper understanding of this rare astronomical event.

GMA3: What You Need to Know airs Monday through Friday at 1:00 p.m. EDT on ABC.