DALLAS — Don't blink or you'll miss it.
The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be traveling so fast, you wouldn't even be able to chase its path in a supersonic jet.
Skies will darken to complete darkness for a few minutes as the moon completely blocks the face of the sun — known as a Total Solar Eclipse. According to a post on X from the National Weather Service of Indianapolis, an eclipse shadow travels at speeds between 1,100 and 5,000 m.p.h.
NASA officials say the eclipse will sweep across Earth at more than 1,500 miles per hour on Monday. However, the exact speed will depend on where spectators view it.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area will be the largest metropolitan area in the path of totality. But some spots will spend more time in totality than others. The big winners in North Texas will be in southern Ellis County and Kaufman counties since the eclipse centerline goes right through. Ennis will experience the totality for 4 minutes and 24 seconds.
An estimated 44 million people live inside the 110-mile-wide path of totality stretching from Mazatlán, Mexico to Newfoundland.
2024 Total Solar Eclipse Path
Even with a cloudy day, the daytime darkness that comes with solar eclipses will still be noticeable, NASA said.
As the moon passes in front of the sun on Monday, it's important to be prepared to view the rare celestial spectacle safely.
Looking directly at the eclipse without protective glasses is not safe. The best thing to protect yourself is to wear ISO-certified eclipse glasses.
The only time it is safe to look directly at the eclipse with the naked eye is during totality — if you're located within the path of totality.
