Solar Eclipse Countdown Clock
MONDAY, APRIL 8TH, 2024: GREAT NORTH AMERICAN SOLAR ECLIPSE
Did you know that New Hampshire is one of only 13 states that will experience totality during the Great North American Solar Eclipse of 2024?
Our state is one the best places to view the solar eclipse in 2024, and in particular, the Great North Woods region (if you’re after 100% totality).
Happily, the White Mountains region is just a short drive south from the Great North Woods, making it a great place to visit before, during, and after our epic eclipse on Monday, April 8th! We will experience 95% totality here as the moon charts a path between Earth and the Sun.
What are the best tips for viewing the solar eclipse in the White Mountains and the northern stretches of our state? Use this page as your jumping off point to an out of this world adventure, complete with things to do while you’re in the area, some basic solar eclipse viewing safety tips, and the best solar eclipse lodging deals.
Not sold on a visit quite yet? Keep in mind that it will take another 55 YEARS for New Hampshire to once again be in the direct path of a solar eclipse.
Solar Eclipse Tips
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1. April weather is unpredictable.
Similar to any road trip, plan ahead by researching where you’re going. Weather can be unpredictable in April in the Great North Woods, snow or mud could impact road conditions.
2. Arrive Early, Stay Late.
There are limited routes leading in and out of the northern part of New Hampshire. Visitors are urged to avoid unnecessary travel on the day of the eclipse, so choose your viewing location ahead of time and plan to arrive early and stay late. Do not plan to pull over on the side of the roadways to view the eclipse. Doing so can put you at risk of getting stuck in mud or snow, and tow trucks will face major delays in getting to you.
3. Bring Supplies.
While businesses are preparing to welcome visitors to the area, it’s still a good idea to pack some essential supplies you’ll want to have with you, such as water, snacks, and solar shades. Be sure to have a full tank of gas and if you have an electric vehicle, map out before you leave your home, where you’ll be able to get it charged.
For most, this could very well be something they only experience once. The Great North Woods is a beautiful place to witness this historic event. A reminder to everyone to be responsible travelers. Practice Leave No Trace while you’re here by picking up after yourself and being kind and respectful to others who are here to do the same thing.
Solar Eclipse FAQs
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What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.
What happens during a total solar eclipse?
The sky darkens as if it is dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, those in the path of totality can see the Sun’s corona, which is the outer atmosphere. Animals and birds can become confused during a total solar eclipse, and temperatures can drop about 20 degrees.
Where in New Hampshire is the best place to view the total solar eclipse?
To get the best view of the eclipse, you’ll want to be directly in the path of totality. That includes anywhere north of Lancaster and Milan north to the Canadian border.
When will there be another total solar eclipse visible in the US?
NH will not be in the direct path of a Solar Eclipse again until 2079.
Solar Eclipse Timing
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All of New Hampshire will experience the eclipse, the Great North Woods will be in totality, this includes the area of Lancaster north to the Canadian border. The rest of New Hampshire will experience a partial eclipse, at about 95% totality.
Totality in the Great North Woods will last approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds and depending on where you are, will vary slightly from west to east as it begins and ends. The times below are approximate times of when totality will occur in these communities.
TOWN | TOTALITY BEGINS | TOTALITY ENDS |
Colebrook | 3:28:22 | 3:31:11 |
Lancaster | 3:29:09 | 3:30:09 |
Pittsburg | 3:28:28 | 3:31:48 |
Milan | 3:29:45 | 3:30:42 |