About The Last Total Solar Eclipse in America in April 2024

On 8th April 2024, millions of people in America were treated to a celestial spectacle known as a total solar eclipse. Cities like Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo were among the fortunate locations to experience the full splendour of totality, where day turned into an eerie twilight and stars appeared in the midday sky.

Here are some interesting facts about this solar eclipse:

• Approximately 32 million people live on "The path of totality"
• The path crossed 15 states
• Some areas experienced "Totality" for up to 4 minutes
• Tourism figures estimated some 4 to 5 million Americans travelled to witness the event and was expected to have brought a 1.5 billion Dollars boost to the economy
• The next Total Solar Eclipse to happen in the US will be on the 22nd of August 2044, when a total eclipse will be seen in North and South Dakota and Montana, plus northern Canada.

Watch NASA's coverage of the Eclipse...

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow on the Earth's surface. During this rare event, the sun is completely blocked, revealing the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona, in a mesmerising display of light and shadow.

Spain's Total Solar Eclipse in 2026

As the moon's shadow retreated and daylight returned after the eclipse of 2024, anticipation turned to the next celestial event on the horizon: the total solar eclipse of 2026 in Spain.

On 12th August 2026, parts of Spain will be cast into darkness as the moon crosses paths with the sun once again.

Areas in Spain that will experience Totality

The regions in Spain that will experience a Total Solar Eclipse on the 12th of August 2026 are:

• Galicia
• La Rioja
• Madrid
• Murcia
• Navarre
• Valencia

The Solar Eclipse will first be visible from Galicia in the North West of Spain at 19:30 CEST and will experience Totality from 20:26 CEST to 20:30 CEST. The eclipse will move Eastwards where it will reach Totality in Valencia at 20:30 CEST for 3 minutes.

Image credit: TimeAndDate.com

Unfortunately for us being located in Andalusia in the South of Spain, we will only get to view a Partial Eclipse. However, if you're a resident in Spain, the Government offers various discount schemes to residents who travel in Spain. Those who reside in the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands or Ceuta get a whopping 75% discount off their air travel!

As the event isn't for another 2 years, we will write an article closer to the time to give you an idea of travel costs to go and watch the next solar eclipse in Spain.

For those lucky enough to be within the path of totality, a total solar eclipse is a mesmerising experience, as the sky darkens, temperatures drop, and the stars and planets become visible in the daytime sky. It's a moment of wonder and awe that reminds us of the vastness and beauty of our solar system.

Best Photo of the 2024 Eclipse

To conclude, here's one of the best photos of the 2024 total solar eclipse I've seen. It was taken by photographer Ron Jenkins in Fort Worth. It encapsulates everything there is to see during an eclipse: the Diamon ring effect, the Moon's atmosphere, Prominence (the Sun's flares), the infinite black backdrop of Space... and the clouds add to the eariness of it all!