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Eclipse Path - 08 April 2024 Map

    This map is a transparent overlay of the path of the total solar eclipse of April 08, 2024, which will pass across the eastern Pacific Ocean, northern Mexico (Sinaloa, extreme northwestern Nayarit, Durango, chihuahua (barely), Coahuila), central and northeastern U.S. (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee (barely), Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan (barely), Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine), eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland), and the north Atlantic Ocean.  It shows closely calculated estimates of the centerline, north boundary, and south boundary of the path of totality.  This overlay is intended to be displayed on Garmin devices on top of a user's ordinary map and will show the eclipse path with respect to the cities, highways, and landmarks depicted in the ordinary map.

    Feel free to use this map and to pass it on to other people, but please read and pass along this disclaimer, too:

    NOTICE:  This eclipse path map is a close approximation but is NOT exact.

    While subject to possible variations of several tens or hundreds of meters, this map should ensure that someone reasonably inside the displayed eclipse path should be able to witness totality.  This map for Garmin devices was compiled based on eclipse boundary points computed at longitude intervals of 7.5 minutes by David Herald's astronomical occultation prediction program Occult 4.2023.11.30.  Astronomical data used with this version of Occult 4 was updated as of December 25, 2023.  The updated data and closely spaced data points should enhance the accuracy of the map's predictions.  However, it cannot be precise.  This map has been compared and spot checked with data published by NASA/GSFC's Fred Espenak and has been found to track the curves from that data closely and consistently, although not identically.

    Specifically, the centerline and north and south limit lines along most of the path on this map are offset approximately 750 to 1050 meters to the northwest of the curves derived from Espenak's data.

    In general, various astronomical sources incorporate slightly different eclipse elements into their calculations, which will result in slight differences in predicted eclipse path boundary lines.  Also be aware that the map's curves were interpolated from a finite collection of fixed points and that rounding or compression errors may occur during the compilation of the map.  More importantly, the curves of this map do not take into account the irregular, mountainous edge of the moon.  These lunar irregularities may shift the eclipse's shadow on earth by up to 1 to 3 km (0.6 to 1.9 miles) north or south.  All of these factors are significant to viewers situated near the edge of the path.  Those users are advised to consider the north and south limit lines as approximate when viewed at high zoom levels.  Viewers should NOT use the curves of this map to position themselves at the precise edge boundaries of the eclipse path.  This map's accuracy is not sufficient.  Instead, those people wishing to do so should consult an accurate scientific reference just prior to the time of the eclipse.

    Also included as a separate file is a GPX file of the path of the centerline only.  A KMZ file displaying the north limit, centerline, and south limit has also been added.  These eclipse path files were created from the same Occult 4 data and are subject to the same accuracy limitations.

    To use this map, copy the file "eclipsepath08apr2024.img" to the "Garmin" folder on the removable SD card in the Garmin GPS device.  It should also be possible to copy the file to the "Garmin" folder in the device's internal memory provided the file does not share the same name as any other existing file.  If you have installed a previous or different version of this map, first delete the old IMG file, as the two maps have the same map ID and cannot coexist.  Exercise caution not to overwrite, move, or delete any other files or folders when installing this map.  When finished, disconnect the GPS device from the computer if applicable.  Then turn on the device normally and go to the start or menu screen.  On many devices, go to the "Setup" menu and select the "Map" and then "Map Information/Select Map" options.  Two or more different maps can be displayed simultaneously on modern devices; on the list of available maps, ensure that "Eclipse Path" and a general map of the area of interest are both enabled.  (This may be done on certain devices by tapping the map name and then choosing "Enable.")  Return to the main menu and view the map.  The eclipse path will be superimposed on the other map.  The above procedure was tested successfully on an Oregon 200.  It may be desirable to zoom outward when first viewing the eclipse map before zooming in to an area of interest.  Note that on some devices such as the DriveSmart 65, the eclipse path will not appear on-screen until viewed at high zoom levels (i.e., close up).  An alternative procedure may be necessary to install the map on Nuvi devices.  All users should carefully read the instructions included in the zip file prior to installing the map.

    This eclipse path map was created and compiled by GPS File Depot member kirkw3 from data generated by David Herald's Occult 4 occultation prediction astronomy program, version 4.2023.11.30.  Ephemeris DE441 and program-estimated deltaT=69.19 were incorporated into the program's computations.  Data was parsed and organized with custom-written software and splitter-r653 and compiled with mkgmap-r4905 on December 25, 2023.  The GPX file was generated on February 13, 2024.  While believed to be accurate within the described limitations, the author assumes no responsibility for this map file's use/misuse or any consequential damages.

    This map was posted on GPSFileDepot.com on March 17, 2024.  The URL links in the text above were valid on March 17, 2024.

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Changes:  Mar. 17, 2024  New map posted to GPSFileDepot.com.

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