RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The highly-anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse is only a few more weeks away. It promises to be a spectacle — but just how good will the view be in Virginia?
Skies will darken across the U.S. on April 8 when the eclipse first becomes visible over the South Pacific, reaching the Pacific coast of Mexico at about 2:07 p.m. for Virginians.
The eclipse will move northeasterly across the nation, beginning in Texas and carving a path through the Midwest into the top of the East Coast, with its final U.S. stop being Maine.
Depending on where you are in Virginia by the time it’s our turn, that darkness might vary. The map below breaks down how much of the sun will be covered in Virginia by locality.
Those in the Greater Richmond Region are looking at roughly 85% coverage, give or take a few percent — with the most western and most northern parts of the state projected to have the least light.
Total solar eclipses are the result of the moon lining up perfectly between the Earth and the sun. This year’s eclipse is unique in that, unlike years prior, it will be at least partially visible in all 48 contiguous states — which won’t happen again for another 20 years, according to NASA.
If you choose to enjoy the eclipse, know that you should not do so without proper protection, as it can be very harmful for your eyes. Only those in the path of totality — which does not include Virginia — are safe to remove their solar filters or eclipse glasses for even a brief 2-4 period.
