Get ready for an exciting celestial event as sky-gazers will soon witness the first of the year, a total solar eclipse set to occur in April. During a total eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun.
This anticipated event has astronomy experts gearing up with telescopes and marking their calendars. The total solar eclipse of 2024 is on the horizon, and all the crucial details, including the date and time, are available for eager observers. It is a moment to look forward to as the sky puts on a spectacular show for those who are ready to witness this unique cosmic occurrence.
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Solar Eclipse 2024 Date and Time
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is expected to sweep across North America, making its way through Canada, the United States, and Mexico. According to NASA, the eclipse will initially begin over the South Pacific Ocean. During the event, observers within the path of totality will witness the sun completely covered by the moon’s shadow, with the eclipse lasting between three to four minutes for those directly on this path.
The astronomical spectacle will commence at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT along the Pacific coast of Mexico, marking the first place in continental North America to experience totality. Moving forward, at 1:27 pm CDT in the United States, Texas will encounter totality, followed by the moon’s shadow moving northeast through states such as Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
The eclipse is projected to pass through Maine at 15:35 EDT in the United States before heading into the Maritime Provinces of Canada. According to the Great American Eclipse, the longest duration of totality is anticipated to be 4 minutes and 27 seconds near Torreon, Mexico, almost double that of the 2017 eclipse. This celestial event promises a fascinating journey across the continent for those fortunate enough to be in its path.
Is the Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, Going to be Visible in India?
Unfortunately, reports indicate that the total solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024, will not be visible in India. Sky-gazers in India will miss out on this celestial event, as the path of totality is not expected to pass over the country.
While the eclipse is set to cast its shadow over North America, including parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, those in India will not have the opportunity to witness this particular astronomical occurrence. It is a reminder that celestial events can be region-specific, and not all parts of the world get to experience the same cosmic wonders at the same time.
How to See Solar Eclipse 2024?
Safety is the most important thing to consider when watching a total solar eclipse. It is crucial to know when to wear special eye protection designed for looking at the sun. Staring directly at the sun without proper eye protection is unsafe, except for the short total phase when the moon completely covers the sun.
If you use a telescope, binoculars, or a camera to view any part of the bright sun without a special solar filter, it can quickly cause serious eye damage. Before and after the total eclipse phase, you should always use safe solar viewing glasses, also known as ‘eclipse glasses’, or a safe handheld solar viewer to directly observe the partial phases of the eclipse. Another safe option is an indirect viewing method, like using a pinhole projector. Taking these precautions ensures you can enjoy the solar eclipse without putting your eyes at risk.
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