Come fly with the Moon’s shadow! Everyone inside the shadow will experience the breathtaking sight of the Sun’s corona during the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024.

This animation simulates a view of the total eclipse from a spacecraft 100 miles high, chasing the shadow along its arc.

 Total Solar Eclipse over Maine on April 8, 2024

Northern Maine gets a total solar eclipse! Be prepared to see the greatest sight nature offers, a total eclipse of the Sun. Be sure to get inside the path of totality for the full experience.

Simply put, a total eclipse of the Sun is the most beautiful sight you will ever see in the sky. Nothing can prepare you for the amazing sight when the sky suddenly darkens and the Sun’s corona shines in the sky. No photograph can capture the stunning beauty of a total solar eclipse, you must see it for yourself. Learn about the basics of the solar eclipse at greatamericaneclipse.com/basics and find out more about the wonder of eclipses at greatamericaneclipse.com/splendor. Find your copy of this map here.

The area of Maine inside the path of totality is lightly populated with many forests and state parks. The eastern border near Canada has the most population inside the path of totality. In Maine, Houlton is probably the best destination as it is very close to the centerline of eclipse.

Mt Katahdin is a prominent peak that presents an interesting opportunity; if you are in a location with a view, take a video or timelapse capture to see the dramatic sight of the Moon’s shadow suddenly darkening the peak.

For eclipse viewing, mobility is essential especially in case of inclement weather. Interstate 95 from Howland to Houlton provides access to the area and options for relocation. US Route 1 goes north from Houlton to Presque Isle and Caribou.

The total solar eclipse visits Maine on April 8, 2024 beginning at 3:28 pm EDT with the final exit of the Moon’s shadow from the state at 3:35 pm EDT. Through Maine, the speed of the Moon’s shadow will accelerate from about 2690 miles per hour to about 3175 miles per hour.

Tips for viewing the eclipse

  • Get your eclipse glasses early! They will sell out in the weeks before eclipse day. We offer eclipse glasses which are ISO 12312-2 certified and made in the USA at www.greatamericaneclipse.com/eclipse-viewing/eclipse-viewing-glasses

  • Learn the simple methods to safely view a solar eclipse. Visit eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety for detailed instructions.

  • Plan ahead. If you choose to stay in a hotel, be aware that most will sell out. A perfect guide to planning your eclipse is our field guide, greatamericaneclipse.com/books/field-guide-to-the-2023-and-2024-solar-eclipses.

  • Get to your destination early and try to spend eclipse night at or near your viewing location. Expect the highways and freeways to be extra busy in the aftermath of totality.

  • Be self-sufficient. Fill up your gas tank and bring food and water.

  • Check the local TV weather reports as eclipse day approaches. The meteorologists will give you great advice on viewing the eclipse and whether you may need to relocate. We recommend eclipsophile.com as the essential site for eclipse meteorology.

  • Unless you are an experienced photographer, we recommend that you not attempt photography during the eclipse. You will be so stunned that it will be difficult to operate a camera. If you choose to do photography, visit Fred Espenak’s MrEclipse.com for advice.

Animation of the Moon’s shadow

Our animation shows you exactly where the eclipse will be total, moment-by-moment. The maximum duration shown is for locations along the very center of the eclipse path. This animation is built using data from retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak (eclipsewise.com) and eclipse expert Xavier Jubier (xjubier.free.fr). You may freely share our maps and animations on social media and web sites, we just ask for a live link to our website.

Eclipse weather in Maine

Courtesy of eclipsophile.com

April weather will be challenging in Maine. The premier eclipse weather website eclipsophile.com, describes the weather in this state as follows: “…it is apparent that the White and Longfellow Mountains generate higher amounts of cloud on their western sides . The drop in cloudiness over central Maine is a consequence of the downslope flow on the east side of the Longfellow Mountains, which dries the air and brings a 10 percent reduction in median cloudiness as the flow moves to lower elevations. Unfortunately, the mountains have another side effect: they create occasional wave clouds that spread across much of central and eastern Maine, sometimes reaching into New Brunswick. These clouds would not dissipate during the eclipse and may even thicken up, but they also have quasi-stationary open spots between the waves that might be exploited to view the eclipse.”

Our advice is to stack your odds by paying attention to short-term weather forecasts and if poor weather is forecast, jump in your car very early on eclipse day (or the evening before) and drive either to the southwest or northeast to chase after clear skies. You will never regret the effort to seek out a clear view of a total eclipse of the Sun, it will register in your memory all your life.

How many people will come to Maine to see the eclipse?

As the total solar eclipse in 2017 proved, the eclipse will be a magnet for millions of people across the nation. We’ve analyzed population distributions and the national road network and present our rough estimate of how many people will come to Maine for the eclipse. Learn more about our methodology at greatamericaneclipse.com/statistics.

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