A celestial event is prepared to mesmerize stargazers as a complete solar eclipse is scheduled to adorn the skies over North America, transforming daylight into darkness, on April 8. Complete eclipses are striking and darken the sky, yet they can only be seen from select areas. Hence, the chance to witness an eclipse is frequently referred to as a unique opportunity.
Solar Eclipse?
During a solar eclipse, the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light either partially or completely. This creates a shadow on Earth known as the “path of totality,” a narrow band that travels across the surface. Those within this path can experience a total solar eclipse, provided the weather conditions are favorable. In the path of totality, where the Sun is entirely covered by the Moon, the sky will darken, resembling either dawn or dusk.
If individuals are not within the path of totality, they will witness a partial eclipse. In this case, the sky will appear somewhat darker than usual, depending on the extent to which the Moon obscures the Sun from their vantage point.
Total Solar Eclipse Date and Timings:
The total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8, 2024, will span a 185-kilometre path across Mexico, the US, and Canada, allowing for the phenomenon of totality to be observed. A total of 18 US States will have the opportunity to witness this event. Unfortunately, skywatchers in India will not be able to view the eclipse. In India, the eclipse will commence at 9:12 pm on April 8, with totality beginning at 10:08 pm and concluding at 2:22 am on April 9, 2024. The totality will first be visible on the Pacific coast of Mexico at around 11:07 am PDT, and it will end in Maine at approximately 1:30 pm PDT.
Total Solar Eclipse Duration
According to NASA, the entire event will span approximately two and a half hours, with the period of totality lasting around four minutes and 27 seconds. This peak spectacle is expected to surpass the duration of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017, which lasted for about four minutes. The majority of locations along the centerline, or path of totality, will experience a totality duration ranging from 3.5 to 4 minutes.
Guidelines for Safely Observing the Eclipse.
The Sun’s intense brightness can harm individual retinal cells even if you look at a small part of its surface. People observing the sky from different parts of the world are recommended to use protective eyewear like approved eclipse glasses when witnessing its partial phases. Neglecting this precaution could result in retinal burns, leading to irreversible damage or vision loss.
How To Watch It Online?
If you are unable to observe the solar eclipse in person, you have the option to watch NASA’s live stream. NASA will commence its live stream on April 8 at 5:00 pm GMT (10:30 pm IST) and will run until 8:00 pm GMT (1:30 am IST). Throughout the broadcast, NASA will engage in discussions with specialists and offer telescope perspectives of the eclipse from various locations along the eclipse path.
