Millions Expected to Travel for Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024
Eclipse enthusiasts are gearing up for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, with Texas predicted to host around a million visitors, followed by half a million each in Indiana and Ohio. The estimates come from eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com, utilizing data from ArcGIS software and the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The eclipse’s path of totality, spanning 15 U.S. states, is expected to attract between 931,000 and 3.7 million travelers.
The extensive analysis reveals crucial insights for eclipse-chasers, highlighting potential hotspots and busiest cities. Texas, offering the longest totality duration of 4 minutes and 26 seconds, is anticipated to be a prime destination due to favorable weather conditions. Indiana and Ohio follow closely, with an estimated half a million visitors each.
The data also emphasizes the significance of metropolitan areas within the path of totality, with the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis being the most densely populated. Around a third of the population within the path resides in just ten cities, including Dallas, Austin, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.
In Texas, the Hill Country area, particularly Kerrville, is expected to draw considerable attention, offering easy accessibility from San Antonio. Other potential busy locations include Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Uvalde, and Bandera, where eclipse-chasers seeking clear skies might flock.
Rural areas in Arkansas and Missouri, such as Russellville and Cape Girardeau, could attract eclipse enthusiasts, with predictions of 170,000 visitors. Carbondale, Illinois, is forecasted to host 260,000 visitors and will organize the Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival.
As the date approaches, eclipse-chasers deciding last-minute destinations may base their choices on weather forecasts, adding a significant random factor to the predictions. Nonetheless, the comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for planning and highlights lesser-known locations that might become unexpected eclipse-watching hubs.
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