It's not too late: Last-minute tips for experiencing the total solar eclipse

03.04.2024 - 20:09 / thepointsguy.com

If you want to participate in a pretty epic event, know that it's not too late to make a plan to see the rare, total solar eclipse that will cut a path across a good chunk of the U.S. on Monday.

The moon will pass directly in front of the sun, creating darkness in the afternoon sky for more than four minutes in many places. This one will be even more dramatic than the eclipse in 2017.

Adding to the allure, it will be the last full solar eclipse in the U.S. for two decades, according to NASA.

While some folks have been planning for the eclipse for a year or more, it's not too late to see this incredible event along what scientists call "the path of totality."

Here's everything you need to know.

It will turn fully dark along a band running from Mexico through Texas. The band will extend over Dallas-Fort Worth, in addition to parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

It'll hit New Brunswick, Canada, before exiting North America. There are scheduled to be portions of 15 U.S. states in the path of totality. As you can see in the map below, Cleveland and Indianapolis are among the best spots to view the totality (depending on the weather).

NASA set up group viewing centers in three prime locations: Indianapolis, Cleveland and Kerrville, Texas. There are likely viewing parties near you if you are anywhere near the path of totality, so use Google to find locations or events.

You'll want to keep a close eye on the weather wherever you plan to observe the eclipse, as it can affect your experience.

Obviously, the clearer the skies, the better the viewing will be.

The New York Times has a great feature where you can check historic cloud cover for various spots along the eclipse path. For example, upstate New York has a more than 60% chance of cloud cover based on historical models.

Soon, the usefulness of historical models will give way to actual forecasts, so watch those carefully and consider adjusting your plans as needed.

For example, here is the long-range weather forecast for Indianapolis. It's not the best eclipse-viewing forecast right now, but it could be much worse.

Thunderstorms are now expected for parts of Texas where many people have already made reservations. You might want to have a plan B in case Mother Nature isn't cooperating next week where you are. Sometimes, a long drive will be enough to get you out of the way of heavy cloud cover.

Of course, that won't help if a long chain of storms is marching across Texas, but your mileage may vary.

While many hotels in prime viewing areas have been sold out since inventory opened last year, a few rooms are still available. Unfortunately, you'll pay through the nose at many