As Americans wait for the next total solar eclipse visible in the United States, we’re revisiting the 2024 event that dazzled millions of people one year ago today when its path of totality crossed North America.
The celestial event happens when the moon passes between Earth and the sun. During a total solar eclipse, the moon briefly blocks all the sun’s light. There can also be partial, annular or hybrid solar eclipses, depending on how much of the sun the moon covers.
Solar eclipses happen at least twice a year, but total solar eclipses are more rare, occurring about every 18 months, scientists say. Whether you can see the eclipse depends on the specific path of totality. The next chances Americans will get to see a total solar eclipse will be in 2044 and 2045.
For now, here’s a look back at the 2024 event:
Crowds of people flocked to locations in the path of totality, from Mexico to Canada.
Many in the U.S. outside of the path of totality saw a partial solar eclipse, when the moon covers part of the sun.
