Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – A total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, traversing North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. During this event, the moon will align precisely between the sun and Earth, fully blocking the face of the sun.
Mexico is expected to have favorable weather conditions for observation and the longest duration of the eclipse’s total phase. Referred to as the “Great Mexican Eclipse” by the national scientific community, the moon’s shadow will take approximately 25 minutes to cross Mexico, passing through multiple time zones.
Totality will occur between 11:07 am MST and 1:32 pm CST. According to solar eclipse expert Xavier Jubier’s interactive Google Map, the eclipse’s path will be approximately 124 miles (199 km) wide at the Pacific Coast and 121 miles (195 km) wide at the U.S. border, with totality lasting between 4 minutes, 26 seconds and 4 minutes, 28 seconds along the centerline through Mexico.
The Center of Exact Sciences and Engineering of the University of Guadalajara (UDG) has identified Puerto Vallarta as one of the best locations in Jalisco to view the eclipse. Here, observers will witness an estimated 95.6% of the total eclipse. The event will begin in Puerto Vallarta at 10:47 am and end at 1:29 pm.
UDG also released a list of 29 municipalities in Jalisco where the eclipse will be visible. Huejuquilla will have the highest visibility in the state at 97.1%, followed by Cabo Corrientes at 96.3%, and then Puerto Vallarta. Other nearby locations with good visibility include Talpa de Allende (94%) and Guachinango (93.2%). Observation in these areas will occur from approximately 10:47 am to 1:29 pm and 10:48 am to 1:30 pm, respectively.
Important Safety Information:
Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause serious eye damage. To observe the eclipse safely, viewers must utilize specially designed protective gear, such as ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. Specialized solar filters should be used with all viewing devices, including cameras, telescopes and binoculars.
While experiencing the eclipse in person is ideal, those unable to do so can still enjoy the spectacle through various internet transmissions, including live streams provided by NASA from Torreón, Coahuila.