“Maine is the best place in New England and one of the best places in North America to witness the historic solar eclipse. If you’re planning to travel anywhere in Maine on April 8, now is the time to make a plan so that you can safely and enjoyably experience this historic event.”-- Governor Janet Mills
The Mills Administration wishes for everyone in Maine, or coming to Maine, to have a safe and enjoyable experience during the solar eclipse. We remind residents and visitors to take common sense steps to enjoy the eclipse, such as planning to arrive early and stay late, sticking to paved roads, keeping your tank full or your battery charged, packing a paper map, bringing plenty of snacks and water, and wearing appropriate eye protection.
About the Eclipse
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be seen from all parts of Maine.
The eclipse begins about 2 p.m. and will last for approximately 2.5 hours, with the total eclipse at approximately 3:20 p.m. for 3 minutes of total darkness.
Maine is one of thirteen states where the total solar eclipse will be visible. Follow the path of totality here.
Eclipse News Updates
Solar Eclipse Resources
- NASA: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Hub & Eclipse Viewing Safety Guide (PDF)
- National Safety Council: How to Safely View a Solar Eclipse
- Maine Office of Tourism: 2024 Eclipse Guide
- University of Maine: Versant Astronomy Center Eclipse Guide
- Maine Department of Education: Solar Eclipse Resources for Educators
- National Weather Service: Eclipse Weather Forecast for Maine
10 Tips To Prepare for the Eclipse
- Obtain ISO-certified eclipse glasses; looking directly at the sun can burn your eyes.
- Plan primary and backup travel routes ahead of time
- Make any necessary travel accommodations now
- Pack a paper map – cell phone towers may become overloaded, and cell service is spotty in many areas within the path of totality
- Research places to obtain fuel and supplies near or at your travel destination
- Obtain permission before accessing privately owned lands.
- Know that Maine State Park campgrounds and ATV trails will be closed.
- Plan as if you will get stuck in traffic; be patient, and pack plenty of snacks and water.
- Planning to stay overnight on Monday is a great way to avoid traffic.
- Pay attention to the forecast and plan to dress accordingly – keep in mind that the temperature will drop as much as 10 degrees during the eclipse.
10 Tips To Enjoy the Eclipse Safely
- Wear your eclipse glasses while watching the event to avoid damaging your eyes.
- Have a full tank of gas or a full charge for your vehicle.
- It’s mud season in Maine – many dirt roads may not be passable. Stay on paved roads at all times.
- Remember Maine State Park guidelines – campgrounds and ATV trails will be closed.
- If you park and hike into the woods, do not hike beyond your skill level. Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing into unfamiliar or challenging terrain.
- Anticipate traffic and congestion particularly in areas of totality.
- Exit roadway to stop and view, take photos of eclipse, do not stop on the highway or the shoulder.
- Ticks can be active any time the temperatures are above freezing. Make a post-eclipse tick check part of your routine.
- Never drive with eclipse glasses on.
- If you consume alcohol during the eclipse, be sure you have a designated driver.
Protecting the Maine Outdoors
- The North Maine Woods region is very remote, with no cell service. Attempting to access this privately owned area is not advised due to extremely wet and muddy conditions.
- Avoid unpaved roads to prevent getting stuck in muddy terrain and steer clear of icy surfaces.
- Transporting firewood into Maine is against the law. Source firewood from within a 10-mile radius of your campsite. Invasive species, insects, and diseases can hitch a ride on firewood. They pose a grave threat to our forests, communities, and local businesses, including campgrounds.
- Avoid Escaped Campfires: Escaped campfires are a leading cause of wildfires. Always fully extinguish fires before leaving campsites and follow guidelines provided by Maine Forest Rangers.
Preserve Sensitive Areas: Respect the natural environment by refraining from hiking in sensitive areas. Damage to vegetation can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
ATV Trail Closures: ATV trails are closed. Please respect these closures to ensure your safety and preserve the integrity of the trails for future use. - Respect Maine’s Landowners: Please obtain permission before accessing privately owned lands.
Spring Outdoor Recreation Safety
- Early Season Hiking Safety: If you plan to hike to a location to view the eclipse, remember early season hiking conditions require careful planning and preparation. Trails are likely to still be covered in snow, ice and mud.
- Baxter State Park will be closed to camping, and Katahdin trails will be closed due to the protection of alpine vegetation and seasonal weather safety considerations.
- Ice Safety Precautions: Ice conditions currently in Maine are treacherous and most waterways will not be safe to step onto during the eclipse. Please review these ice safety reminders and stay off frozen waterbodies while viewing the eclipse in Maine.
- Early Season Boating Safety: If you plan to view the eclipse by boat on the water, be safe and ALWAYS wear your life jacket. Water temperatures in early April are dangerously cold. Even experienced swimmers will experience cold-water shock within one minute in frigid water and lose muscle control within 10 minutes.
- Avoid Conflicts with Black Bears and other Wildlife: Animals may be confused during the eclipse. Enjoy wildlife from a distance, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
Bears are already out of their dens, and looking for food. Black bear attacks in Maine are very uncommon, but bears will act aggressive if surprised or cornered. Learn more here.
Protect Your Eyes
Looking at the sun during an eclipse can damage your eyes permanently.
Protect your eyes by wearing appropriate solar eclipse sunglasses or using a handheld solar viewer during the eclipse.
According to NASA, you can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon completely obscures the Sun’s bright face – during the brief period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.
Drive Safely
- For up-to-date road closure information visit www.newengland511.org
- If you see road hazards, please call 911.
- Maine law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency, public service, or disabled vehicles on the side of the road. Be sure to slow down and give space -- it will protect your safety and theirs.
- Pack an emergency car kit with a paper map (in case cellular/GPS service is unavailable because of remote location or due to cell service overloads), cash, prescriptions and spare glasses, a first aid kit, mobile phone and chargers, water and snacks, and books and games for the car in case of traffic delays.