On April 8, skywatchers across North America will witness an extraordinary event as a total solar eclipse plunges day into night. These total eclipses, known for their dramatic darkening of the sky, are rare phenomena visible only from specific locations, making them highly anticipated as once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light either partially or entirely. This creates what is called a “path of totality,” a narrow band on the Earth’s surface where the Moon completely obscures the Sun, resulting in darkness akin to twilight.
The total solar eclipse of 2024, slated for April 8, will cast its shadow across a 185-kilometre stretch from Mexico to Canada, spanning 18 US States. Unfortunately, observers in India will miss out on this celestial spectacle.
According to Indian Standard Time, 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. The totality will commence on the Pacific coast of Mexico around 11:07 am PDT and end in Maine at approximately 1:30 pm PDT.
While the entire event will last about two and a half hours, totality, the period of complete darkness, will only last around four minutes. NASA predicts a peak totality duration of up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, nearly double that of the Great American Eclipse of 2017.
It’s crucial to view the eclipse safely, as the Sun’s intense brightness can cause permanent eye damage. Protective eyewear, such as certified eclipse glasses, is indispensable during partial phases.
For those unable to witness the eclipse in person, NASA will provide a live stream of the event, starting at 5:00 pm GMT on April 8 and continuing until 8:00 pm GMT. The broadcast will feature expert discussions and telescope views from multiple locations along the eclipse path.
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