Experts reveal the best places to watch the solar eclipse

Millions of people in the US, Canada and Mexico will be able to see the solar eclipse scheduled for April 8, 2024. However, some places are more favourable for observation than others, experts say.

Here's What We Know

What makes one place better than another for observing? According to astronomers, weather conditions play a key role. Observers of eclipses often go to regions with traditionally clear skies and favourable weather during such events.

Even in places where weather conditions are not usually favourable, there can be surprises. Historical weather data can give you a general idea of the likelihood of cloud cover. For example, Burlington, Vermont, may not statistically be the ideal place to observe, but last year, it was the place where the sky was almost completely clear during the eclipse.

In order to help observers find the best viewing locations, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has developed a nationwide cloud cover map for the 2024 eclipse. This map is based on long-term climate records and provides information on the "historical probability of visibility" in different regions.

How to Use the National Cloud Cover Map for the 2024 Eclipse

To use NOAA's visibility map, you simply enter a location, for example, "Burlington, Vermont". The map will then automatically zoom in to that area. Next, simply click on the nearest grey or dark circle (you may need to zoom out). This will provide you with cloud cover statistics for that region. For example, in Burlington, Vermont, on April 8, the entire day could be cloudy 36% of the time and mostly cloudy about 17% of the time. About 20% of the time, it can be almost clear. In contrast, in Del Rio, Texas, you can expect clear weather for 64% of the time.

Source: Mashable