Total Solar Eclipse: A total solar eclipse will happen in North America on April 8. It is when the moon moves in front of the sun, making the sky dark for a few minutes. This will start in Mexico and go all the way to Canada, crossing through many US states. The path where people can see the total eclipse is about 115 miles wide.
During the eclipse, it will feel like a sudden dusk in the middle of the day for the people in its path. It is a rare event, and if you miss it, you will have to wait until 2045 for the next one in North America.
When the moon blocks the sun, it creates a shadow on the Earth. This is what happens during a solar eclipse. It’s similar to when you put your hand in front of a light and it makes a shadow on the wall. But during an eclipse, it’s on a much bigger scale. During the eclipse, you might see strange shadows, feel a drop in temperature, and notice animals acting differently.
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How to Watch?
Watching a solar eclipse directly without proper protection can hurt your eyes. The sun’s rays can damage your eyes, even during an eclipse. Looking at the sun through a camera, binoculars, or a telescope without special filters can cause serious eye damage instantly.
To watch a solar eclipse safely, you need special glasses made for viewing the sun. Look for glasses with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 code on them. These glasses are safe to wear while watching the eclipse.
If you can’t find eclipse glasses, you can make a simple pinhole projector at home. This lets you see a projection of the sun on a piece of white paper. It’s a safe way to watch the eclipse without hurting your eyes.
Where to watch Solar Eclipse?
Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico: Positioned on the Pacific Coast, Mazatlán has a long history of attracting eclipse fans. It’s less than 12 miles southeast of where the Moon’s shadow first touches the Earth. Mazatlán offers a great view of the total solar eclipse.
Nazas, Durango, Mexico: Nazas is a small town in Durango, Mexico. Even though it only has about 4,000 people, it’s expected to get a lot of visitors because it’s close to where the eclipse will last the longest. Nazas is just east of Durango Paso Nacional, so it’s a good place to see the whole eclipse.
Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico: Piedras Negras is a busy city near Eagle Pass, Texas. It’s known for its lively culture and history. Being close to the U.S.-Mexico border, it is a popular spot for people who want to see the eclipse in an urban area.
Radar Base, Texas: Radar Base is a small town along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Even though it is small, it is going to have a lot of people visiting to see the eclipse. It is a special place to watch the eclipse because of where it is.
Indianapolis, Indiana: Indianapolis is the capital city of Indiana. It has lots of places to stay and things to do, making it a popular choice for Eclipse fans. With its lively downtown and diverse culture, Indianapolis is a great place to watch the eclipse.
Niagara Falls, New York: Niagara Falls is a beautiful place to see the eclipse. It offers amazing views of the event against the famous waterfalls. Lots of people are booking places to stay in the area, showing how much interest there is in seeing the eclipse here.
Ontario, Canada: In Ontario, there are many places where the public can watch the eclipse. These include parks like Old Fort Erie, Kingsbridge Park, and Queenston Heights Park. There are also spots like the Science Centre and Mount Royal Park in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where people can see the eclipse.
April Solar Eclipse
The last solar eclipse happened in 2017. But NASA says the upcoming total solar eclipse will be even more special. It will be wider than the 2017 eclipse’s path of totality, so more people in the US will be able to see it.
Cities like Buffalo, New York, Cleveland, and Dallas will be directly aligned with the center of the moon during the total solar eclipse. This means they will get to see the whole thing.
This solar eclipse is rare because it doesn’t happen often. NASA says the next total solar eclipse won’t be until twenty years from now. In 2044, places like Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota will be in the path of totality.
Lots of people are already planning trips to the US to see this special event. But it is important to be safe. Health experts say we should use special glasses to protect our eyes while watching the solar eclipse.
Is a Solar Eclipse dangerous?
Nope, it is not. During a solar eclipse, the moon moves in front of the sun and makes a shadow. But this shadow does not bring any new harmful stuff. It is just like a cool shadow play between the moon and the sun.
A solar eclipse is not a sign of something bad happening. It is safe to be outside during one. The weird ring of light you see around the sun is just normal sunlight, so your food won’t go bad and it is okay to cook and eat during an eclipse. And if you are pregnant, there’s no need to worry because there is no harm from a solar eclipse.
Also Read: Solar Eclipse 2024: Date, Visibility in India, and How to Watch. See Details
