A total solar eclipse, a rare celestial event where the moon completely obscures the sun, is set to occur on Monday.
This spectacle will only be visible from specific locations that fall within the path of totality, according to NASA. During the brief period of total solar coverage, the sky will darken significantly.
Dr. Jack Singal, an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Richmond, explained to FOX Business, "As long as a location is along the path of totality, then it basically all comes down to the weather it needs to be not cloudy, at least in the patch of sky where the Sun will be when totality hits in the early to mid afternoon, in order to see the eclipse in all of its glory."
The path of totality for Monday's eclipse will traverse 15 states, NASA reports. The path will be approximately 115 miles wide. The total eclipse will first be visible in Texas and lastly in Maine as it moves in a northeastern direction across the continent.
Patricia Reiff, a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University, told FOX Business, "We thought Texas but now New England appears to have the best weather forecast. Clear skies are more important than the time in totality."
Singal further commented on the weather conditions, stating, "Generally, there is a greater likelihood of clear skies the farther West and South one goes within the continental U.S." He also noted that weather forecasts suggest partly cloudy conditions for many major cities in the path of totality on Monday.
Singal highlighted Watertown, New York, and Del Rio, Texas, as cities with contrasting weather forecasts for the day of the eclipse. Watertown is expected to have sunny skies, while Del Rio is predicted to have cloudy skies. Both cities are within the total eclipse's expected path.
The American Astronomical Society, in a post on its website, stated that "anywhere within the path beats everywhere outside it" for viewing the eclipse. NASA lists Dallas, Texas; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Evansville, Indiana; Buffalo, New York; Lancaster, New Hampshire; and Caribou, Maine as locations within the path of totality.
Earlier in the week, Astronomy.com identified Kerrville, Texas; Lima, Ohio; and Erie, Pennsylvania as potential viewing spots. Torreon, a city in northeastern Mexico, is expected to experience nearly 4.5 minutes of total solar coverage, the longest duration of any location.
Those outside the path of totality will still have the opportunity to witness a partial eclipse, which NASA says will be visible across much of the U.S. The space agency warns that viewers must use specialized eclipse glasses to avoid eye injuries, and it is "only safe to remove your eclipse glasses during whats known as totality."
Companies like Warby Parker have even offered free solar eclipse glasses to the public in anticipation of the event. The Perryman Group estimates that the eclipse will generate over $4.6 billion in economic impact for the states within the path of totality.
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