Solar Eclipse 2024: Peak times in Tampa Bay area, how to watch rare event

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TAMPA, Fla. - Millions of Americans looked to the skies on Monday for a total solar eclipse in many parts of the country, and Tampa Bay residents saw part of the rare event.

Several solar eclipse viewing events planned in Bay Area

FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg previewed the total eclipse happening Monday, April 8, and explained the science behind the event and the significance of this one.

How does an eclipse happen, and where is this one going?

According to Osterberg, the eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. The moon's shadow then creates a trail as the Earth rotates.

Live: Solar eclipse 2024 updates, forecast and video

The trail becomes the path of totality, where total darkness occurs; for Monday's eclipse, the path of totality will start in Mexico, stretch through Dallas, and then trace through Cleveland and the northeast before ending in Maine for the U.S.

What will the solar eclipse be like in Tampa?

Some parts of the United States will witness a total solar eclipse on Monday. While Tampa Bay and Florida are not in that path of totality, FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg unpacks what our area can expect.

When can I view it in Tampa?

In Tampa Bay, about 65% of the sun will be blocked by the moon. The full effects of the eclipse began at around 1:43 p.m., with maximum blockage occurring at around 3 p.m. and then ending at 4:15 p.m.

Eclipse path through Tampa

Here's what the eclipse will look like in Tampa. (Courtesy: NASA)

1:43 p.m.: The eclipse begins when the moon first touches the edge of the sun.

1:43 p.m.

2:20 p.m.: The moon begins to shade out a portion of the sun.

2:20 p.m.

3:00 p.m.: The maximum view and deepest point of the eclipse shows the sun being its most hidden.

3:40 p.m.

3:40 p.m.: The eclipse reaches its conclusion when the edge of the moon leaves the edge of the sun.

See the full eclipse animation for Tampa with NASA's mobile-friendly interactive map

What will the viewing conditions be like in Tampa Bay?

It should be just partially cloudy and a mild day in the Tampa Bay area on Monday for eclipse viewers.

Osterberg said Tampa Bay residents should start getting excited for 2045, as a total solar eclipse in that year will pass directly over Tampa and several parts of Florida.

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