Do you remember the hype surrounding the Great American Eclipse in August 2017? It was a momentous event for those under the direct path, but if you were in Jacksonville, Florida, you might not have felt the same level of excitement unless you journeyed to the path of totality. Only there would you have experienced the profound impact of the moon completely obscuring the sunlight.
Now, as we approach Monday, April 8th, when parts of the United States will again witness darkened skies, the experience might seem somewhat underwhelming for those in Florida and Georgia. While the 2024 eclipse will offer a partial view of Jacksonville, it won’t provide the full experience of totality.
The 2017 total solar eclipse crossed the entire United States, from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast, offering about 2 minutes and 40 seconds of totality in some places.
It attracted millions of spectators and was dubbed the “Great American Eclipse,” leaving a lasting impression because it was the first time since the country was founded in 1776 to have a total solar eclipse solely in the United States.
In contrast, the 2024 eclipse will begin in Mexico, pass through the central and eastern U.S., and extend into Canada, offering a longer 4 minutes plus of totality in some areas.
Jacksonville will be much farther from the path of totality this time around. In 2017, the path of totality crossed over South Carolina, bringing with it a moment of awe as the moon covered up to 90% of the sun’s brilliance.
However, this year, residents of Jacksonville will only witness a partial solar eclipse, with about 60% of the sun being obscured by the moon. The difference in proximity to the path of totality will undoubtedly affect the intensity of the experience for skygazers in the area.
Eclipse enthusiasts in Jacksonville will have to wait much longer for our closest shot at a total eclipse.
A 2045 eclipse promises a direct path over Florida, offering residents a rare opportunity to witness the complete obscuration of the sun by the moon.
Many areas from Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, and Gainesville will be completely blocked from the sun but Jacksonville will be just outside the totality path.
For those in Jacksonville eager to witness the awe-inspiring sight of a total solar eclipse, making the journey to a location along the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse may still be worth the effort. Or you can wait 21 years for a much shorter drive to Alachua County.
Hopefully, gas prices will be cheaper by then.