Local News

When is the next solar eclipse?

Another total solar eclipse will not be visible from the U.S. until 2044, but New England residents will have to wait much longer.

By Ross Cristantiello

April 8, 2024

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Email
• 1

In 585 B.C. the ancient Greek philosopher Thales accurately predicted a solar eclipse. Debates surround Thales’ prediction and how much sheer luck was involved, but he was accurate enough to enter the annals of history. His methods, based on existing knowledge established by the Babylonians hundreds of years prior, were primitive compared to highly specific ones used by scientists today. 

Those viewing Monday’s eclipse have access to second-by-second predictions and detailed maps about where the path of totality will fall. While significant portions of the U.S. could see some vestiges of the eclipse, the path of totality only carves a relatively narrow path from Texas to Maine. Millions flocked to cities and towns within that path, but with full hotels and busy highways, millions more are surely missing out on experiencing the full power of a total solar eclipse. 

So, when will the opportunity to see a total solar eclipse arise again? 

Total solar eclipses in the US 

There are a total of eight total solar eclipses with paths of totality stretching across parts of the U.S. in the 21st century. This includes the 2017 eclipse and Monday’s, meaning only six remain this century. 

After Monday, the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. will occur on Aug. 23, 2044, but it will only touch three states. The path of totality will begin in Greenland, move west across northern Canada, and then finally into Montana, North Dakota, and a small part South Dakota. 

More Americans will likely have the opportunity to view a total eclipse the following year. On Aug. 12, 2045, a total eclipse will start in northern California and arc through Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. 

On March 30, 2052, the path of totality for a total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico and move northeast across the Gulf of Mexico through small parts of Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and into Georgia and South Carolina.

The eclipse on May 11, 2078 will follow a relatively similar path. It will begin in Mexico, move through the southern tip of Texas, and across the south from New Orleans up through Atlanta and Charlotte. 

New England residents will next get to experience a total eclipse on May 1, 2079. The path of totality will run south through Greenland, into Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and into the northeastern U.S. All of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island lay in the path totality, as do New York City, Philadelphia, much of southern New Hampshire, and the entire Maine coastline. 

Finally, on Sept. 14, 2099, a total eclipse will begin in southern Canada before moving into North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. 

Worldwide

Those with the time and resources to travel the world will not have to wait quite as long to experience a total solar eclipse. 

On Aug. 12, 2026, those in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain will be treated to a total eclipse. 

On Aug. 2, 2027, the path of totality will cover the northern coast of Africa before moving into Saudi Arabia and the Indian Ocean. 

And on July 22, 2028, a total eclipse will be visible in much of Australia and parts of New Zealand. 

Total vs Annular 

The aforementioned information only refers to total solar eclipses. However, spectacular views can still be seen during annular eclipses. An annular eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. When this happens, the sun is still visible as a ring around the dark disc of the moon. 

Several annular solar eclipses will occur in the next decade around the world, including one this October that will be visible in small sections of Chile and Argentina near the southern tip of South America. 

U.S. residents will next be able to catch a glimpse of an annular eclipse on June 21, 2039 in Alaska. The contiguous U.S. will next experience an annular eclipse on Feb. 6, 2046 in northern California, Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho. Another will occur on June 11, 2048 in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin.