Resources for the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Information about the April 8, 2024 Eclipse

A total solar eclipse will be visible from many parts of the US on April 8, 2024. While no location in Massachusetts will experience totality, some parts of the state will see over 95% coverage of the sun if weather permits.

The eclipse will begin shortly after 2 PM ET and will last about 2 and a half hours until about 4:30 PM ET.

Path of the April 8, 2024 Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs with the moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. The moon is much smaller than the sun, but because it is so close to the Earth it can appear to partially or complete block the image of the sun.

This map developed by Xavier M. Jubier provides information about the path of the eclipse, and the maximum amount of coverage at a chosen location on Earth.

Educational and Informational Resources for the April 8, 2024 Eclipse

The eclipse may overlap with dismissal for many Massachusetts schools. We recommend preparing students to safely experience the eclipse. Please instruct students not to look directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection.

• Visit NASA's website for a comprehensive information about the eclipse.
• These resources are available in several languages for families and community members:
  • Eclipse Map
  • Eclipse Safety Sheet
• The NASA website and NSTA website contain multiple lesson plans and resources for educators.
• NSTA's website contains a document with relevant information for school administrators.
• This video from the Fiske Planetarium contains information for administrators about student safety during the eclipse.
• There are many cultural stories surrounding eclipses. The Exploratorium website contains information about various cultural eclipse narratives and histories.
• Free eclipse glasses may be available through your local library and the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries program

Community Events

Is your school or community organization hosting a public event for viewing the eclipse? To be added to this list, please email Casandra.gonzalez@mass.gov with the location details for the event.

• Many Department of Conservation & Recreating properties are hosting eclipse viewing events — Solar Eclipse 2024 | Mass.gov
• The NASA Eclipse Soundscapes project is a citizen science project that anyone can participate in. Learn more about how to participate in this project here: Participant Roles – Eclipse Soundscapes
• The EcoTarium in Worcester will host an eclipse viewing event in their Sun Dial Plaza and will allow free admission on the day of the eclipse.

Last Updated: April 1, 2024