Is Arizona in the Path of Totality for the Eclipse?

The total solar eclipse is coming up on April 8th. There's been a lot of buzz about this celestial event since the path of totality will cross a large part of the United States.

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If you're not familiar with the science, during a solar eclipse, the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, completely obscuring the Sun. With a large swath of the United States in the path, we've been wondering if Arizona will be under the shadow on April 8th.

KEEP READING: Sun's Out, Shades On: A Look Back at Eclipses Through the Ages

Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible from Arizona?

The question Arizona is asking is: will we be able to see the eclipse from Arizona? The short answer is: sort of.

Path of Totality across the United States. // Nasa Goddard via YouTube

Depending on where you are in Arizona, you can see some of it, but we won't see the full totality from the Grand Canyon State.

The Path of Totality for the 2024 Solar Eclipse

If you want to see the full solar eclipse, you'll have to take a road trip. The path of totality doesn't cross Arizona, but you won't have to go too far if you're set on seeing it.

This video from NASA Goddard on YouTube shows you the path of totality.

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The path of totality will sweep across central Mexico, parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and southern Canada.

Where Can I See the Eclipse in Arizona?

While you won't be able to see the full eclipse in Arizona, you'll be able to see as much as three-quarters of the event in certain places.

You may need a road trip to see the full path of totality. It won't be visible from Arizona. // Canva

According to Axios, Phoenix, Cochise County in Southeastern Arizona is your best bet. Douglas will have the best view in the state, experiencing around 75% coverage at totality.

In Arizona, the eclipse will begin at 10:08am and peak at 11:20am, local time.

Remember to Wear Eye Protection for the Eclipse

Even though Arizona won't get to see the full effect of totality this time around, staring at the sun is never a good idea! Even when there isn't an eclipse happening.

If you want to view the moon as it moves across the sun's path, you'll have to dig out your eclipse glasses or get some new ones. Regular sunglasses won't protect your vision, and neither will a welding helmet.

READ: Counterfeit Solar Eclipse Glasses Could Cause Serious Eye Damage

Be sure to wear the proper safety glasses when looking at the eclipse. // Canva

To view the eclipse safely, make sure your eclipse glasses meet the international standard ISO 12312-2. You can pick some up on Amazon and possibly at a few stores around the state.

Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona // Canva

If you'd like to see a detailed visualization of the eclipse path, plus specific locations where you can see it, explore NASA SVS 2024 Path of Totality or the NSO Eclipse Map.

[ Axios Phoenix | Eclipse AAS | NASA Scientific Visualization Studio | NSO.edu ]

What is This in the Sky Over Sierra Vista? (Wrong Answers Only!)

We had a little fun with the Giant Orb of Confusion, the Pregnant Guppie, that Blimpy Thingy we can see from all over Cochise County hovering over Sierra Vista.

What is it? Some of us know...some of us like to imagine what it could be. Here are the top 10 Best Answers from our Facebook page.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM