2024 Solar Eclipse in the Katahdin Region
Northern Maine will be the place to be on Monday, April 8, 2024, as visitors from across the country and the world travel to the region to view a total eclipse of the sun. While such occurrences happen around the world about every 18 months, they occur at any given place only every 360 to 410 years on average. In the United States, April 8 will be the last chance to view a total solar eclipse for over 20 years. The last time a total solar eclipse occurred in Maine was in 1963, and it won’t happen again in the state until 2044!
The entire eclipse in Maine will last for about 2.5 hours on the afternoon of April 8. Most of this time will be a partial eclipse, with the moon only blocking part of the sun. Only a narrow swath of Maine – about 107 miles wide – will experience a total eclipse. The totality phase of the eclipse is when the darkest part of the moon’s shadow (known as the umbra) is cast on the earth and completely blocks out the sun. The sky will darken as if it were twilight, with shadows diminishing. In Millinocket, totality will begin at 3:31 P.M. and last for 2 minutes and 56 seconds.
Baxter State Park will be within the path of totality, but it is not a good place to view the eclipse. Every year, the Park closes in April for the safety of visitors and to protect the Park’s fragile natural resources during mud season. Plant communities on Katahdin, Traveler, and other alpine summits cannot withstand foot traffic during spring weather conditions.
To fulfill its primary objective of preserving the Park’s ecosystems, the Park closes all trails above treeline on Katahdin and Traveler during April and a large portion of May. You can help the Park by respecting trail closures during this time.
There is limited access to the Park in the winter, including the month of April. The approach roads to both Park gates are not plowed, and the road to the Togue gate serves as a designated snowmobile trail during the winter months. With thinning ice and variable snow cover, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling access is often difficult or impossible in April. For this reason, Baxter State Park is closed to camping throughout April each year. It is illegal to camp outside designated campgrounds in the Park any time of year. While lakes and ponds may seem like a nice, open viewing spot to see the eclipse, ice in April is often thin and unsafe, making this a dangerous proposition.
The path of totality will cross a vast swath of northern Maine. There are numerous places outside Baxter State Park that will make for won- derful places to view this astronomical event. The Katahdin region is excited to welcome visitors for the eclipse and is creating various “Star Parks” in Millinocket and other local communities. Star Parks are designated eclipse viewing locations that are chosen with safety, convenience, and great views in mind!
New England Outdoor Center (recently renamed as Ktaadn Resorts) is planning a special, ticketed event for April 8 with food, live entertainment, and a dedicated eclipse viewing space. More information about Star Park locations can be found on the Aroostook County Tourism website (visitaroostook.com) and the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce website (www.katahdinmaine.com).
In Maine, the eclipse will be visible low on the southwestern horizon. To view the eclipse with Katahdin, you will need to be at a high vantage point northeast of the mountain, such as Patten or Mt. Chase. Ensure you get a pair of eclipse glasses soon so you can view the eclipse safely. If you choose to head north to view the eclipse or are lucky enough to live within the path of totality – and the weather cooperates – it should be a memorable experience!
