The next total solar eclipse visible in the mainland United States will come on August 21, 2017. The next total eclipse after that for U.S. observers will be on April 8, 2024.
Image Credit: NASA Eclipse Web Site
Gallery: Partial and annular solar eclipse of May 20-21, 2012
Check out the map at right. It shows all the total solar eclipses occurring in North America from 2001-2050, thanks to the eclipse master Fred Espenak.
During a total solar eclipse – whenever the new moon swings directly in front of the sun and completely covers it – the sky turns suddenly from day into night, and stars and planets pop into view. What’s more, a total solar eclipse shows you the sun’s normally invisible corona. It’s a breathtaking sight!
The moon passes more or less between the Earth and sun every month. This is the new moon phase. More often than not, no eclipse happens at new moon, because the new moon usually sweeps to the north or to the south of the sun. There are several lunar and solar eclipses each year, however. Look here for a complete list of solar eclipses between the years 2011-2030.
