Coahuila and Mazatlán are gearing up to host the total solar eclipse in April, becoming prime locations for this astronomical event in Mexico. NASA has selected an observatory in the northern part of Mexico as their base to document the eclipse, set to occur on April 8.
NASA has been conducting research since 2023 to determine the best observation points for the total solar eclipse in April. While Mexico will witness a total eclipse, other regions like the United States and Canada will experience a partial eclipse. Coahuila and Mazatlán have been identified as ideal locations to observe the eclipse for an extended period.
The Torreón Planetarium in Coahuila will serve as NASA’s base for eclipse research, ensuring the public can safely view the event. Free entry to the Planetarium will be available on the day of the eclipse, with special glasses being sold for safe viewing. In addition, Coahuila has set up 200 observation centers across Torreón for public viewing.
In Mazatlán, Sinaloa, NASA will also establish a base for eclipse research, making it a premier spot to witness the event. Gregory Schmidt of NASA anticipates a high turnout in Mazatlán on April 8, with hotel reservations already booked to capacity. A festival is planned in Mazatlán to commemorate the eclipse, featuring educational programs on safe viewing practices and the eclipse’s phases.
The eclipse in Mazatlán will commence at 9:51:23 a.m. and reach its total phase from 11:07:25 a.m. to 1:11:45 p.m., lasting over two hours due to its trajectory. Tourist packages, such as the Golden Ring offered by the Mazatlán Observatory, will include breakfast, children’s activities, meditation, and special glasses for safe viewing.
Apart from Sinaloa and Coahuila, the total solar eclipse will also be visible in Durango. In Mexico City, a partial eclipse will cover only 79% of the solar disk, a rare event that is not expected to recur for the next 300 years.
This total solar eclipse in Mexico promises to be a unique and significant astronomical event, drawing visitors and enthusiasts from all over the world. It is a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of nature’s celestial phenomena.
