Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Mexico:

Introduction:

Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Mexico:

In both 2023 and 2024, solar eclipses will be visible in Mexico. You’ll be able to see it if you’re in certain cities situated along an arc that cuts through North America like a strip of cloth laid over the continent—running from Mazatlan to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of what a total solar eclipse is, how to view a solar eclipse safely, when this solar eclipse will occur, and where it can be seen for those expats living in Mexico.

What Is A Solar Eclipse?

Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Mexico:

A solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up. If they line up partially, then it’s a partial eclipse. If they line up fully, it’s a total eclipse—depending on how they align. Eclipses are one of the unique marvels of our planet, born from an extraordinary coincidence that the sun is 400x larger than the Moon, yet is also 400x farther way, making the Sun and the Moon seem the same size.

When the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, it casts a shadow on the Earth that either totally or partially blocks the Sun’s light in some areas. This happens rarely, because the Moon’s orbit isn’t on the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth. The times when they align are known as the “eclipse season”, which only happens twice a year.

Types of Eclipses

Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Mexico:

Types of Solar Eclipses:

• Total Solar Eclipse – When the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth at the perfect distance and alignment to fully block the Sun
• Partial Solar Eclipse – When the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, but not in perfect alignment so the Sun appears as a crescent shape
• Annular Solar Eclipse – When the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, though it’s at its farthest point from the Earth, thus the Sun becomes a ring shape. (An annular eclipse is technically a type of partial eclipse.)
• Hybrid Solar Eclipse – Because of the curvature of the Earth, sometimes an eclipse can be Annular in one place and Total in another. This is called a Hybrid Solar Eclipse.

Types of Lunar Eclipses:

This article is mainly about solar eclipses, but a bit on lunar eclipses is warranted. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon moves into the Earth’s shadow, darkening the moon from the view of the Earth. It’s always safe to look at lunar eclipses without the need for special eye protection. There are three main types of lunar eclipses:

• Penumbral Lunar Eclipse – When the Moon passes into the Earth’s penumbra—or the wider shadow cast by the Earth which still allows some light
• Partial Lunar Eclipse – When the Moon passes into both the Earth’s penumbra (the wider/lighter shadow) and the Earth’s umbra (the narrower/darker shadow)
• Total Lunar Eclipse – When the Moon passes directly into the Earth’s umbra causing the Moon to fully darken

How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely:

Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Mexico:

Except for the few minutes when the Sun is totally blocked out during a Total Solar Eclipse, observers should never look at a solar eclipse with the naked eye. Always use eclipse glasses or other specialized eye protection such as a welder’s mask. A pinhole projector can also be used to view the sun. This includes whether you’re watching a Partial or Annular Eclipse, or before or after totality for a Total Solar Eclipse. In short, don’t look at the sun. It can burn your retinas and cause blindness.

_*Eclipse glasses are a special type of protective eyewear. Do not use sunglasses. _

*To learn how to make a pinhole projector, click here.

A Total Solar Eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, at that perfect point where it completely blocks the face of the Sun. If you’re in a spot in the center of the Moon’s shadow when it hits Earth, then you’ll see a Total Solar Eclipse. The sky goes dark, as if it were dawn or dusk, and stars become visible, but only for a matter of minutes. If there aren’t clouds obscuring your view, then people in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the outer atmosphere of the Sun. This is known as the “corona”. Normally, you can’t see the corona because the Sun is too bright.

A Total Solar Eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can remove their eclipse glasses for the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun and only the corona is visible.

When and Where to View the Next Eclipses in Mexico:

Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Mexico:

The Next Solar Eclipses Visible in Mexico

10/14/2023 – The next Partial Eclipse visible from Mexico. It’ll actually be an annular eclipse, which means a ring shape is formed when the moon covers the sun, but is too far away to cover it completely.

04/08/2024 – The next Total Solar Eclipse will take place, when the moon perfectly blocks the sun, revealing the corona for a short time.

The Next Lunar Eclipses Visible in Mexico

03/13/2025 – The next Total Lunar Eclipse will take place, when the moon darkens and turns a reddish shade as it passes through the Earth’s umbra.

*Note: This Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in North America and South America—including Mexico. Most of Europe, Africa, and small parts of Asia and Australia will see a partial lunar eclipse.

Conclusion:

Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Mexico:

Eclipses are an amazing phenomenon found only in precise locations at very specific times of the year. Their rarity makes them precious, and there’s no better place to view such a fantastic phenomenon than in Mexico. Whether you’re on the coast sipping margaritas or in some forgotten pueblo, hope that the skies are clear so you can view this magical event. You won’t regret it.