An astronomical phenomenon is poised to captivate skywatchers as a total solar eclipse is set to grace the skies across North America, transforming day into night on April 8. Total solar eclipses are awe-inspiring events that darken the sky, offering a rare spectacle visible only from select locations. This unique opportunity to witness an eclipse is often deemed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light either entirely or partially. When the Moon completely obscures the Sun, it casts a shadow on Earth, creating a "path of totality." This path, a relatively narrow band, moves across the surface, allowing observers within it to witness a total solar eclipse, provided weather conditions permit. Within the path of totality, where the Moon fully covers the Sun, the sky turns dark, resembling dawn or dusk.
For observers outside the path of totality, a partial eclipse is visible, causing the sky to darken to varying degrees depending on the extent of the Moon's coverage of the Sun.
The total solar eclipse of 2024 will take place on April 8, with totality visible along a 185-kilometer stretch spanning Mexico, the US, and Canada. Additionally, 18 US states will have the opportunity to witness this celestial event. However, it will not be visible from India.
According to Indian Standard Time (IST), the total solar 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 Pacific coast of Mexico will experience totality first around 11:07 AM PDT, with the event concluding in Maine around 1:30 PM PDT.
While the entire eclipse event will span approximately two and a half hours, the period of totality will last only about four minutes. NASA anticipates that the peak spectacle could endure for up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, nearly double the duration of the Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017. Most locations along the path of totality will experience a duration of totality between 3.5 and 4 minutes.
To safely view the eclipse, it is crucial to wear protective eyewear, such as certified eclipse glasses, during the partial phases. Staring directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe damage to the eyes, including permanent blindness.
For those unable to witness the solar eclipse in person, NASA will provide a live stream of the event. The agency's live stream will commence on April 8 at 5:00 PM GMT (10:30 PM IST) and continue until 8:00 PM GMT (1:30 AM IST). Throughout the broadcast, NASA will engage in discussions with experts and offer telescope views of the eclipse from various sites along the eclipse path.
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