Countdown to Cosmic Spectacle: The 2024 Solar Eclipse in New England

Westport, Massachusetts, a serene coastal community with a unique astronomical perspective. Located in Bristol County, Westport enjoys a prime position on the southern coast of Massachusetts, offering unobstructed views of celestial events like lunar eclipses. Its geographical coordinates place it ideally for observing such phenomena, with a clear horizon that enhances the spectacle of the transformation during an eclipse.

Today, April 8, 2024 a spectacular celestial event will captivate tens of millions of people across the United States: the 2024 solar eclipse. Lasting over two hours, this eclipse will see the moon gradually obscure the sun, with certain areas experiencing a total solar eclipse lasting up to three breathtaking minutes.

This eclipse is especially significant as it marks the first time since 2017 that the path of totality — where the sun is completely blocked by the moon — stretches across a vast portion of the continental U.S. The 2024 eclipse’s path traverses 15 states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, as well as small sections of Tennessee and Michigan.

As the moon begins its transit, a noticeable drop in temperature occurs, the sky darkens, and birds become disoriented by the sudden change. For a brief moment, the blazing orb that sustains all life on Earth is obscured.

Bostonians are in for a treat, with a 92.55% eclipse—significantly more than the 63% seen in 2017. For those seeking the ultimate experience, heading north towards the path of totality is recommended.

After 2024, the next total solar eclipse over the continental U.S. won’t occur for over 20 years, making this event a once-in-a-generation opportunity. To prepare, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about the eclipse, particularly as it pertains to Massachusetts, and towns in the path of totality across New England.

To witness the total eclipse firsthand, New Englanders will need to venture into New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine. In Boston, the moon will cover 92.55% of the sun’s disk. Heading closer to the path of totality, such as crossing into Cambridge, increases this obscuration to 92.67%.

For those of us in Massachusetts, here are key eclipse timings:

• Boston: Eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m., peaks at 3:29 p.m., and ends at 4:39 p.m.
• Lowell: Eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m., peaks at 3:29 p.m., and ends at 4:38 p.m.
• New Bedford: Eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m., peaks at 3:29 p.m., and ends at 4:38 p.m.
• Springfield: Eclipse begins at 2:13 p.m., peaks at 3:27 p.m., and ends at 4:37 p.m.
• Worcester: Eclipse begins at 2:15 p.m., peaks at 3:28 p.m., and ends at 4:38 p.m.

In Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine — within the path of totality — the eclipse timings are similar, leading to around three minutes of total eclipse time beginning around 3:30 p.m.