Expert reveals the worst places to see next month's solar eclipse

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Expert reveals the worst places to see next month's solar eclipse

A solar eclipse is scheduled for April 8, so get your plans in place now.

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Early April brings with it a pretty rare and stunning event - a total solar eclipse.

Scheduled for April 8, it's something that many people will be making grand plans to see.

The path of the eclipse will go straight through a big strip of the US and Canada, but this 'path of totality' can prove a bit of a snare.

As it turns out, there are plenty of places in the US holding events or shows that might be slightly overpromising, based on their actual location relative to that path.

NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty
NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty

Thankfully, Forbes has published a list of places you might want to avoid if you've got your heart set on seeing a total eclipse - some of these might still offer a pretty good partial eclipse, but not the whole deal.

The observations come from the writer Jamie Carter, who describes himself as the 'world's only solar eclipse journalist', which is a pretty precise label.

The events to avoid are pretty varied, and start with one held at The Center for Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio. Since it will only get a partial eclipse, Carter recommends getting as far northwest as Dublin, Ohio, for the best view chance.

According to Carter, Science Central, in Fort Wayne, Indiana is near totality - but not quite at 99.89%. Instead, he recommends 70 miles away to Wapakoneta for more minutes of total darkness.

Similarly, Edgewater Sport Park in Cincinnati will only get a partial view - whereas nine miles away, Miami Whitewater Forest will have totality to offer (and a free event to boot).

The Alamo and River Walk, in San Antonio have plenty of events to offer, but Carter suggests they could become over-crowded and lack totality, so you could head west into the Hill Country for a superior experience.

Anadolu / Contributor / Getty
Anadolu / Contributor / Getty

Another example he gives? Swap out Ithaca, New York and instead drive under an hour away to Seneca Falls.

The same goes for Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, in Texas - the nearby Amistad National Recreation Area will get nearly three minutes of actual totality.

Up in Canada, the Fogo Island Inn, in Newfoundland will have a 99% eclipse of its own, but if you head to Cape Freels instead you'll get a short totality.

That's a pretty comprehensive list of places to avoid, with handy replacements, so if you're headed to any events be sure to double-check whether they'll actually get a genuine total eclipse or not.

Featured Image Credit: Andrew Holt / Philip Yabut / Getty