September 21, 2024

The sun rises behind the Empire State Building as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey, on the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse in New York City.

Gary Hershorn | Corbes News | Getty Images

A total solar eclipse is expected to cross the United States today, with millions of Americans trying to capture the celestial moment in its path. The next solar eclipse of this magnitude will cross the United States on August 23, 2044. Cities and towns in the path of the total solar eclipse are preparing for an influx of people competing for the ultimate viewing experience and providing economic benefits.

Bloomington, Indiana

Advertising sign for the total solar eclipse on Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Bloomington, Indiana, USA.

Chet Strange | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Houlton, Maine

Visitors look through a pair of oversized solar eclipse glasses in the town square in Houlton, Maine, on April 7, 2024.

Joe Reddell | Getty Images

Cheryll Simmons-Heit in a moon costume and Johanna Johnston in a sun costume compete in the Solar Sprint 3k on April 7, 2024 in Houlton, Maine.

Joe Reddell | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Dawn McDonald (right), owner of Crow’s Tattoos, tattoos a solar eclipse on the arm of Morgan Flewelling (left) on April 7, 2024 in Houlton, Maine .

Joe Reddell | Getty Images

Fredericksburg, Texas

On April 7, 2024, in Fredericksburg, Texas, before the total solar eclipse, a sign reading “No School” appeared at Fredericksburg Middle School.

Brandon Bell | Getty Images

Carbondale (Illinois)

Solar eclipse-themed T-shirts will be available for sale at the Southern Illinois University Science Fair on April 7, 2024 in Carbondale, IL.

Scott Olson | Getty Images

Orlando, Florida

Orlando’s illustration shows Krispy Kreme’s special Oreo donuts. Celestial-themed donuts go on sale today to celebrate the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Paul Hennessy | Light Rocket | Getty Images

Pinchinville, Illinois

Solar Eclipse T-shirts will be available at Audra’s Footprint in Pinckneyville, IL on April 5, 2024.

Scott Olson | Getty Images

Makanda, Illinois

Brittany Sunderman and Gianna Debenham, 6, of Effingham, Ill., and those traveling from Utah and Las Vegas to view the total solar eclipse Other members of the Debenham family tried out total solar eclipse viewing glasses at the campground the day before the event April 7, 2024, Camp Makhandakalu, Illinois, USA.

Evelyn Hochstein | Reuters