Solar Eclipse 2024 Timing in Florida: Depends on Your Location

Florida residents can witness the solar eclipse on April 8, with varying visibility across the state, ensuring a memorable experience.

The Great North American Eclipse is set to pass from Mexico into Oklahoma and travel northeast across the country, crossing the New England region of the U.S. and a portion of Canada before ending near the French and Spanish coasts in the Atlantic Ocean. While Florida may not be in the path of totality, residents will still have the opportunity to witness this stunning astronomical event.

The total eclipse is expected to hit the coast of Mexico at around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8 and leave continental North America at 5:16 NDT. Residents in Florida can expect to start seeing the eclipse around 1:35 p.m. EDT, with the midpoint at 2:55 p.m. In Tallahassee, for example, the event will be visible from 1:42 to 4:17 p.m. with maximum viewing at 3 p.m. In Miami, residents will see the eclipse from 1:47 to 4:13 p.m. with max viewing at 3:01 p.m.

While Florida won't experience the total eclipse, residents can expect to see a partial eclipse with a 45% to 75% chance of maximum coverage. The weather forecast for Florida during the eclipse shows a low chance of clouds in the Panhandle and Big Bend areas, with increasing cloud cover as you move down the peninsula. Central and South Florida may experience higher chances of cloud cover.

For those looking for the best viewing spots within Florida, Pensacola, Pineville, Bratt, and Walnut Hill are recommended for optimal viewing with coverage ranging from 80% to 82.4%. It's important to remember to wear eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from potential damage.

NASA warns against viewing the eclipse without proper eye protection, such as solar viewing glasses. Approved vendors for eclipse glasses can be found on the American Astronomical Society's website, and free glasses may be available at local libraries, schools, and observatories. Be sure to check availability before heading out to view this spectacular event.