The Best Solar Eclipse By Laurie Wilson Freelance Writer The 2024 solar eclipse is anticipated to be an epic mass travel event—an impactful celestial experience that is expected to be witnessed by millions. On April 8, 2024, the duration of totality will be up to four minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 2017, which was viewed by more than 20 million people from Oregon to South Carolina. In the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Several New England states have bragging rights to lying in the path of totality (and some just outside of the path with deep partial totality) and they’ll be offering star-studded events, amenities and packages—as well as quietude and dark skies for optimal viewing. Here is a sampling of some of the best spots to watch the moon-and-sun eclipse duet in New England.
MAINE
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The Pine Tree State will have a front row seat to witness the spectacle. Maine is expecting a surge of out-of-state and in-state
eclipse-chaser visitors—in fact, some rural spots, like Houlton, Jackman and Greenville, have been planning since 2021, like Houlton’s tours of the renowned to-scale solar system which runs along Route 1. The Maine Office of Tourism will provide visitors with solar eclipse glasses. Www.visitmaine.com Here are some other ideas.
Rangeley At 3:29pm, the sun will be completely obscured over Rangeley, and The Rangeley Inn & Tavern, tucked in the heart of Maine’s lakes and mountains, is offering a Solar Eclipse Vacation Package. The package includes breakfast, and the eclipse will also be live-streamed for guests to watch in the hotel’s banquet
