Total eclipse on April 8 in the United States: your itinerary for an astronomical adventure

April 8, 2024, will mark a celestial event not to be missed: a total solar eclipse visible in 13 American states. This article offers you a detailed guide, state by state, to live this unique experience, including the exact times of the eclipse, as well as suggestions on where to observe, eat, and what to do in each location.

Maine: Baxter State Park

Eclipse Timings: From 2:22 pm to 4:40 pm EDT, totality at 3:32 pm EDT.
Where to observe? Baxter State Park, overlooking Katahdin.
Where to eat? Appalachian Trail Cafe for a Maine blueberry pie.
To do: Explore the Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail for a literary and natural journey.

New York: Niagara Falls State Park

MILES MEDIA/Destiny USA Wine Water and Wonders Tourism Niagara Falls State Park, Downtown Rochester, Watkins Glen State Park 20150710GH

Eclipse schedule : From 2:04 pm to 4:15 pm EDT, totality at 3:06 pm EDT.
Where to observe? Niagara Falls State Park, combining the spectacle of the falls with that of the eclipse.
Where to eat? Anchor Bar, birthplace of the Buffalo Wings.
To do: Visit the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site for a dive into history.

Texas: Dallas

Eclipse timings: From 12:23 to 15:02 HAC, totality at 13:40 HAC.
Where to observe? Dinosaur Valley State Park, a journey back in time.
Where to eat? El Bolero Cocina Mexicana, for a Mexican feast.
To do: Stroll through the Dallas Arts District, a concentration of culture.

Oklahoma: Poteau

Eclipse Schedule: From 12:28 to 15:06 HAC, totality at 13:45 HAC.
Where to observe? Cavanal Hill, for a panoramic view.
Where to eat? Myers Drive-In, for a taste of authentic America.
To do: Explore Lake Wister State Park, between forests and water activities.

Arkansas: Little Rock

Eclipse schedule: From 12:33 to 15:11 HAC, totality at 13:51 HAC.
Where to observe? Pinnacle Mountain State Park, a natural spectacle.
Where to eat? Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, for cuisine with soul.
To do: Explore the Civil Rights trail, an educational journey.

Kentucky: Paducah

Eclipse schedule: From 12:42pm to 15:18pm HAC, totality at 14:00pm HAC.
Where to observe? Greenway Trail, a walk in the greenery.
Where to eat? Pipers Tea & Coffee House at the Coke Plant, for local flavors.
To do: Visit the National Quilt Museum, a celebration of the art of quilting.

Missouri: Cape Girardeau

Eclipse Timings : From 12:39 to 15:15 HAC, totality at 13:56 HAC.
Where to observe? Trail of Tears State Park, for a view of the Mississippi.
Where to eat? BG’s Deli, known for its sandwiches.
To do: Gone Girl Driving Tour, following the filming locations of the movie.

Illinois: Southern Illinois

Eclipse schedule: From 12:42 to 15:18 HAC, totality at 13:59 HAC.
Where to observe? Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest, a breathtaking landscape.
Where to eat? Enjoy the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail for local tastings.
To do: Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour, an adventure among the trees.

Indiana: Indianapolis

Eclipse Schedules: From 1:45 pm to 4:20 pm EDT, totality at 3:06 pm EDT.
Where to watch? Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for an unforgettable moment.
Where to eat? FARMbloomington, for seasonal dishes.
To do: Slippery Noodle Inn, a historic bar with live music.

Ohio: Cleveland

Eclipse schedule : From 13h59 to 16h29 EDT, totality at 15h13 EDT.
Where to observe? Edgewater Park, with the skyline of Cleveland in the background.
Where to eat? Mabel’s BBQ, for a unique style barbecue.
To do: Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum, a must-see for music fans.

Pennsylvania: Erie

Eclipse schedule: From 2:02pm to 4:30pm EDT, totality at 3:16pm EDT.
Where to observe? Erie Bluffs State Park, for a lakeside experience.
Where to eat? Sara’s, famous for its milkshakes.
To do: Explore the Presque Isle State Park, a natural jewel of the city.

Vermont: Burlington

Eclipse schedule : From 2:14 pm to 4:37 pm EDT, totality at 3:26 pm EDT.
Where to observe? Battery Park, with a breathtaking view of Lake Champlain.
Where to eat? Shanty on the Shore, for fresh seafood.
To do: Discover Church Street Marketplace, a vibrant shopping district.

New Hampshire: Lancaster

Eclipse Schedule: From 2:16 PM to 4:37 PM EDT, totality at 3:26 PM EDT.
Where to observe? Weeks State Park or Milan Hill State Park for a panoramic view.
Where to eat? Polish Princess Bakery for local pastries.
To do: Visit the Rialto Theater, a classic cinema with a modern touch.

Ah, the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, a show not to be missed, somewhat like the grand finale of a series that everyone is waiting for. Imagine the scene: the Moon, playing the role of the intruder, gently slips between us and the Sun, plunging the day into sudden darkness, offering a show that is both mysterious and captivating.

This is the kind of event that reminds us how the universe is both vast and surprising, capable of turning an ordinary afternoon into a cosmic adventure.

For those wondering what exactly a total solar eclipse is: it’s the magical moment when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, completely obscuring the latter.

Those who find themselves in what we call the “zone of totality” will see the day turn into night for a few minutes, allowing the stars and the solar corona to shine in broad daylight. It’s as if nature decided to overturn its usual order to offer us an unforgettable spectacle.

The eclipse of 2024 is all the more special as it offers a viewing band crossing varied and accessible terrains, ranging from the quiet forests of Maine to vibrant metropolises like Dallas, not forgetting the charming towns of the Midwest.

Each location promises a unique backdrop for the event, enhanced by its own selection of culinary delights, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. It’s the perfect opportunity to combine a love for astronomy with that of travel, discovery, and sharing.