New Hampshire is no stranger to travelers seeking out its magnificent mountain vistas and serene lake settings or the smell of the Atlantic’s salty air breezing over its sandy beaches.
But this spring there will be a new attraction, a celestial event beckoning people to this infamous state, known as the Granite State.
On April 8, 2024, New Hampshire will be just one of only 13 states where people can see the Great American Solar Eclipse.
It’s a big deal since the next one will not be seen again in the United States until 2044 or crossing over the land of “live free or die”, New Hampshire, until May 1, 2079.
Whether you’re a New Hampshirite or a person from “away,” as the locals may sometimes refer to visitors from beyond its state lines, I have some suggestions and tips to help make your eclipse experience one to remember.
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New Hampshire
Total Solar Eclipse
Countdown
April 8, 2024
New Hampshire
Eclipse Time
Partial Eclipse begins:
Mon, Apr 8, 2024, at 2:15 pm EDT
Totality begins:
Mon, Apr 8, 2024, at 3:28 pm EDT
Totality ends:
Mon, Apr 8, 2024 at 3:31:31s pm EDT
Partial Eclipse ends:
Mon, Apr 8, 2024 at 4:40 pm EDT
****Time of totality based on the first and last view in New Hampshire. The approximate time and length of viewing will vary depending on the observer's location within the state and path of totality. All times calculated from the US Naval Solar Eclipse computer.
What is a
Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun while in its "new moon" phase, precisely aligned at a correct distance within its orbit, completely covering the Sun's bright disk for a brief period of time, as observed from a specific location here on Earth.
With so many factors required to come together at one singular moment, it's clear why a total solar eclipse is considered a rarity to witness.
On average, they happen somewhere on the planet about once every 18 months but only reoccur in any one exact location approximately once every 375 years.
As mentioned earlier, the last total eclipse of the Sun occurred in the United States in 2017. After 2024, the next total solar eclipse will not reappear in the States until 2044. Twenty years!
For more information on the other three types of eclipses (partial eclipse, annular eclipse and a hybrid eclipse) be sure to read my article "What is a Solar Eclipse?"
Eye Protection
A solar eclipse is a spectacular event to witness, but let's make it very clear that it should only be viewed through special-purpose solar filters manufactured in compliance with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
It can be very damaging to your eyesight if attempted without the proper protection, such as eclipse glasses or solar protective filters.
Solar Filter Tips
- Check your certified solar eclipse glasses, camera, or telescope filters for defects or damage like scratches or pinholes before using them during the eclipse.
- Wear certified glasses or use filters at all times while staring at the eclipse before and after totality.
- Use caution during totality if not protected by filters, replacing them before the Sun's light reappears.
- If using binoculars or telescopes to view the eclipse, use only Solar filters designed to be attached to the front of the scope, not threaded into the eyepiece, as the optics of the eyepiece could damage the filter and result in injury to the eye.
We discuss solar viewer options in another article if you would like to know more.
Are Solar Filters Needed
During Totality?
The only time a total eclipse is safe to view without a protective filter is during the very short stage of totality, lasting only seconds to minutes.
Solar viewers or filters will need to be used once again as the Sun's bright face begins to reappear while viewing the remaining phases of the eclipse.
Eye protection must be used 100% of the time while viewing the eclipse except during totality.
How long the eclipse will be in totality depends on where you are located within its path of totality, which we will discuss next.
Understanding the
Path of Totality in New Hampshire
During a total eclipse, a dark shadow is cast upon the Earth created by the Moon orbiting at just the right distance between the Earth and the Sun, perfectly aligning and completely obscuring the view of the Sun's disk from that location here on Earth.
As illustrated in the image above, the umbra is the darkest part of the Moon's shadow. This shadow tapers to a narrow circular cone as it reaches the surface of the Earth, covering a radius of approximately 115 miles.
The totality path of the umbral shadow moving across the globe is referred to as the path of totality. It is illustrated in the media clip above as a black dot within the Moon's much larger penumbral shadow moving across Mexico, The United States and eastern Canada.
It is from within this eclipse path of the umbral shadow, that the April 8th, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse of North America can be observed.
To experience the complete "totality" of the bright face of the Sun during the 2024 solar eclipse in New Hampshire, you must be inside the path of totality while viewing the eclipse.
The totality phase will last longest when viewed from a location directly in the middle of this path. As you move further away from this imaginary center line to the outer edge of the path, left or right, the length of time of totality shortens.
Locations in New Hampshire outside of this path will not experience totality but a partial eclipse, where the Sun is only partially covered by the Moon.
Where Does the Path of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Cross Over
New Hampshire?
The 115-mile-wide eclipse path of totality will make its way through Vermont, entering northern New Hampshire's western border, passing over an area known as "The Great North Woods" before crossing into Maine.
We'll look at several towns in New Hampshire's path of totality along with a few suggestions to consider in some areas further south where the partial eclipse will cover 95% of the Sun.
Later in this article I will provide instructions on where and how to look up 2024 eclipse times for any location in New Hampshire.
1. Lancaster, New Hampshire
Eclipse Begins: 2:16:27 pm EDT
Totality Begins: 3:29:06 pm EDT
Totality Ends: 3:30:02 pm EDT
Eclipse Ends: 4:38:36 pm EDT
Totality Duration: 56s
Lancaster is the southernmost point in New Hampshire to experience the totality of the 2024 total eclipse.
It sits on the outer edge of the path of totality and is considered to be the gateway into the Great North Woods Region of the state.
Part of the area lies within the White Mountain National Forest with views of the presidential range and Mt. Washington.
You will find a nice blend of quaint town amenities, such as the Polish Princess Bakery and the Copper Pig Brewery.
Outdoor adventures are easy to find. Weeks State Park is a great hike while taking in views of Mt. Splendor and the White Mountain range.
Check the event calendar on their chamber of commerce or town website for scheduled events during the eclipse.
2. Colebrook, New Hampshire
Eclipse Begins: 2:16:47 pm EDT
Totality Begins: 3:28:11 pm EDT
Totality Ends: 3:31:13 pm EDT
Eclipse Ends: 4:38:35 pm EDT
Totality Duration: 3m 2s
Colebrook is the next stop above Lancaster and serves as a hub for the remainder of Coos County's smaller towns. The duration of totality here will last more than three minutes.
You will find some unique attractions amidst the fantastic natural scenery in this more remote area of New Hampshire.
Dixville Notch State Park is a short drive with two nearby waterfalls, Mohawk and Huntington, both visitor favorites.
The Poore Farm Historic Homestead offers a glimpse into how New England pioneer families lived off the rugged land in the early 19th century.
The Black Bear Tavern and The Wilderness Restaurant are two favorites to stop for a bite to eat.
Check for eclipse updates on the NH news, Colebrook Chronicle, a free town newspaper or on the event calendar of Colebrook's town website.
3. Pittsburg, New Hampshire
Eclipse Begins: 2:17:01 pm EDT
Totality Begins: 3:28:13 pm EDT
Totality Ends: 3:31:30 pm EDT
Eclipse Ends: 4:38:39 pm EDT
Totality Duration: 3m 17s
Pittsburg, New Hampshire, is the northernmost community in the state and the largest incorporated town by land area in New England. It is in the direct path of the eclipse.
It's number one on this list for duration of totality, coming in at 3 minutes and 17 seconds. That's a nice length of time to experience the amazing sight of the solar corona.
And if you've never seen a moose, your odds are also quite good as there is a stretch of US-3, a little north of Pittsburg village known as Moose Alley, which is famous for its scenic drives and moose sightings.
Hiking up Mount Magalloway's summit to catch the eclipse may be a stellar view for the adventurers or set off onto the Cohos trail which winds North and South through Pittsburg.
4. North Woodstock, NH
Central White Mountains
Eclipse Begins: 2:15:58 pm EDT
Maximum Partial: 3:29:18 pm EDT
Eclipse Ends: 4:38:32 pm EDT
**95% Partial Eclipse Only**
North Woodstock, centered in the scenic White Mountains, blends outdoor adventure and quaint, small-town charm. It will not experience the totality of the eclipse but a near-total eclipse (95% partial eclipse) sitting south of the more remote area of the Northern Woods.
The White Mountains Visitor Center is a good starting point as it provides many resources to plan your trip. Here is their digital map and guide providing tips and sites to plan a visit.
5. North Conway, New Hampshire
Eclipse Begins: 2:16:50 pm EDT
Maximum Partial: 3:29:59 pm EDT
Eclipse Ends: 4:39 pm EDT
**95% Partial Eclipse Only**
Located in the southern region of the White Mountains, North Conway
is an area to consider exploring before or after the eclipse.
The Kancamagus Highway, a 54-mile scenic state highway, offers stunning vistas of streams, waterfalls, and evergreen forests with glimpses of the White Mountains.
You'll find plenty of hometown restaurants like Peach's for breakfast or brunch before or after exploring one of the area's many hiking trails.
Black Cap Trail off Hurricane Mountain Rd is a favorite.
6. Concord, New Hampshire
Eclipse Begins: 2:15:47 pm EDT
Maximum Partial: 3:29:21 pm EDT
Eclipse Ends: 4:38:43 pm EDT
**95% Partial Eclipse Only**
Concord, located within the bottom third of the state, is a good option if looking for a more populated area with the expected amenities of a larger town or city, such as larger hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
It will experience a near-total eclipse (95% partial eclipse), and driving north to view totality is still an option at that distance.
Concord has a space and science museum that honors two of New Hampshire's own, who dedicated their lives to space exploration and teaching.
It's the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. (Learn more about Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard.)The center has a planetarium that runs a show all about solar eclipses called 'Totality.'
According to the science museum's event calendar they will be hosting an eclipse party on April 8, the eclipse day.
Traveling to New Hampshire
There are two major international airports in New Hampshire for you to consider if flying to NH for the eclipse: the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM).
Both have multiple commercial carriers, and either one will be within 3 hours of all locations on this list.
Check pricing on rental cars and flights.
How to find Solar Eclipse Times
for any location in New Hampshire
Here are step-by-step instructions to search April 8, 2024 solar eclipse times for any location in New Hampshire. We will use the United States Naval Observatory's Solar Eclipse Computer. I have provided a link for you: USNO Solar Eclipse Computer.
Times are provided in the UT1 time zone/military style. In this example totality time begins in Lancaster at 19:29:06 or 7:29:06 p.m. for UT1 time zone.
We then need to convert the UT1 time zone to the local time zone in New Hampshire/EDT. To do this we subtract 4 hours from the UTC1 zone which then becomes 15:29:06 or 3:29:06 p.m.
Converting military style -12:00 (12 hundred hours) is noon. 13:00 (Thirteen hundred hours) is 1:00 pm and so on. In this example 15:29:06 would be 3:29:06 pm EDT.
Can Weather Impact
The Solar Eclipse Experience?
Unfavorable weather, unfortunately, is one factor that can entirely spoil the 2024 American Solar Eclipse experience.
Weather predictions are just that, predictions. Cloud cover is not our friend during an eclipse event.
It's wise to prepare and have a possible plan "B" by selecting a secondary location to travel to in time for the eclipse in case your initial choice proves unsuitable.
Perhaps it could be the difference between the lowlands and the mountains.
What to Expect from the Weather in New Hampshire During the 2024 Eclipse
Weather and temperatures in New Hampshire can vary during early April as winter transitions into spring. This is known as "mud season".
Using Lancaster as an example, the average temperature range recorded from 1985-2015 was a 40˚. You can modify for locations further north and south within the state.
Be sure to pack a variety of clothing for warm and colder weather.
The ground can be muddy in some locations as it thaws, so wear appropriate footwear.
What Will I Experience During a Total Solar Eclipse in
New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is a state with four strong season's to enjoy throughout the year. The eclipse will appear as the winter season transitions into early spring.
You may experience all or some of these phenomena during the eclipse weather permitting with favorable skies.
Changing of Light
You may experience a quality of light resembling the dawn or dusk twilight periods. Shadows become sharper. According to the American Astronomical Society, during totality, daylight fades by a factor of 1000.
Wildlife Behavior
Animals may begin to believe it is the end of the day and start their end-of-day rituals. For example, birds may roost while bats appear in the skies as they would in the evening.
A Drop in Temperature
As the Moon covers the Sun, there may be a notable change in temperature by several degrees.
Bailey's Beads
Moments before and after totality, the jagged lunar landscape allows small pockets of sunlight to shine through the valleys on the outer edge of the Moon, appearing as beads of light. These are known as Baily's Beads, named after Francis Baily, who first explained this phenomenon.
Diamond Ring Effect
The last moment before the Moon completely covers the Sun, the last bit of sunlight creates a sparkling effect on the edge of the Moon, which appears as a bright diamond with a ring around it.
Solar Corona
The solar corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere, is a beautiful sight. Usually invisible to the naked eye, hidden by the Sun's bright light, but can be seen during totality as a pearly white crown surrounding the black disk of the Moon.
Shadow Bands
These dark bands are elusive, wavy lines of alternating light and dark that can be seen moving on plain-colored surfaces just before and immediately after totality.
360-Degree Sunset
Often, in the sky during totality, there is a sunset-like effect that circles the entire horizon created from the light of the Sun shining through the atmosphere outside the path of totality.
For a deeper understanding of this process, read my article on what to expect during the 5 stages of a total solar eclipse.
Conclusion
New Hampshire is a great destination for enjoying the outdoors and its scenic beauty. It's the perfect setting for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the 2024 total solar eclipse.
