How and when to see a total solar eclipse in Germany

Millions of people will be able to see the total solar eclipse directly in April. This is also possible in Germany.

Frankfurt – This is a skyline that has fascinated many people around the world. A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday (April 8). Millions of people in North and Central America can marvel at these—but it's possible in Germany, too. A NASA employee explained beforehand: “It's going to be very dramatic and very surprising.”

First Total Solar Eclipse in North America in Seven Years – “The Sky Goes Dark”

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. From Earth's point of view, it obscures the Sun for a short time. “The sky darkens at dawn or dusk,” writes NASA. The event inspires many people around the world, with parties planned and hotels in relevant areas fully booked: “They move people and give them a deep respect for the universe,” says NASA.

The last time a total solar eclipse was observed was in August 1999 in Germany. The next one will have to wait for a while. The next one isn't expected until September 2081. In the United States, the last total solar eclipse was observed in 2017, and in Mexico in 1991. On April 8, 2024, people will once again see the scenery from Mexico to Canada. If you don't have time there, you'll have to wait until the next one: the next total solar eclipse to be announced in 2044. Shooting stars can also be enjoyed frequently in April.

A total solar eclipse in April – a natural spectacle you can see directly

Although you won't be able to see the total solar eclipse in the sky from Germany, there is still a promising chance. Apart from some live streams, viewers can watch the event at a planetarium in the country. “Asterisk enthusiasts can experience the eclipse as if they were themselves in a live film,” reports the planetarium in Hamburg. The show starts at 7:30pm on April 8, 2024, but is already sold out. The Zeiss Large Planetarium in Berlin offers a live solar eclipse event. The scenic view can be enjoyed in 360 degrees.

The total solar eclipse will begin over the Pacific and then move over northern Mexico. It crosses the United States from Texas northeast to Maine and ends in southeastern Canada. The natural spectacle takes place mainly in the afternoon local time. More than 30 million people live in affected cities. Preparations have been underway for months in the region's cities, with joint parties planned and hotels long sold out. Experts strongly warn against viewing the solar eclipse with cheap glasses. (rd/dpa)