Space

Science

Special Coverage from NPR: 2024 TOTAL ECLIPSE LIVE

10:34am April 08, 2024

by NPR

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will darken a swath of North America in the middle of the day, a cosmic event that is generating buzz, travel plans and watch parties from Mexico to Maine and beyond.

A person uses a pair of binoculars to watch the moon pass infront of the Earth's star marking a total eclipse in Vigo, northwestern Spain on March 20, 2015.

Arts

How to follow today's solar eclipse, even if you're not near totality

7:39am April 08, 2024

by Emily Alfin Johnson

Never fear, we have some FOMO-friendly resources to help you enjoy totality, even if you're outside the path.

Ancient Babylonians brought light to mysterious eclipses

4:42pm April 07, 2024

We've learned a lot about space in the past century. But humans' earliest understanding of eclipses dates all the way back to ancient Babylon.

The push to get the moon its own time zone

4:42pm April 07, 2024

Host Scott Detrow speaks with space law expert Michelle Hanlon about the push from the Biden administration to establish a time zone on the moon.

A group of children don eclipse glasses to watch the 2017 solar eclipse at Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming.

A lot of kids got to see the last total eclipse. What they remember may surprise you

11:14am April 06, 2024

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Total solar eclipse chasers say that seeing the moon block out the sun, revealing the corona, is a life-changing experience. Kids, on the other hand, remember eating moon pies.

Queue Listen Now

Pinhole shadows show crescent shapes in 2019 as the moon moves in front of the sun — one of several unique phenomena we can see during a solar eclipse.

Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday

10:58am April 06, 2024

by Bill Chappell

Eclipses change the light around us, leading to unusual sights. Monday's solar eclipse also brings a chance to see crescent shapes in shadows and pinholes, as the moon moves in front of the sun.

National

Pluto was discovered at an Arizona observatory. It might be named the state planet

8:34am April 06, 2024

by Camryn Sanchez

There's bipartisan support in Arizona to make Pluto the official state planet. Pluto was discovered at an observatory in Arizona, but was downgraded to a dwarf planet in 2006.

Storms moving across the United States will make it hard for eclipse chasers to get a clear view of totality — the moment when the moon fully blocks the sun, creating a brilliant crown-like effect.

National

Clouds and rain? Here's how to still enjoy the total solar eclipse

6:01am April 06, 2024

by Vanessa Romo

Rain, thunderstorms and gray skies over large swaths of the path of totality are threatening to block views on April 8. Here's how to make the most of the rare event.

The path of totality and partial contours crossing the U.S. for the 2024 total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024.

Science

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

3:55pm April 05, 2024

by Emily Alfin Johnson

This tool from NASA allows you to get your exact window to see Monday's eclipse; all you need is your ZIP code.

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred.

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse? Here's what to know

11:29am April 05, 2024

by Geoff Brumfiel

Experts say you should gas up before you go, and plan to stay for a while afterward.