Lifestyle

2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Rare Celestial Event to Grace Skies Next Month

Prepare for an extraordinary sight as a rare celestial phenomenon approaches next month: the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024. Set to occur in the second week of April, this eclipse marks the first of its kind for the year, following the Lunar Eclipse witnessed on March 25. Also referred to as Surya Grahan, it promises to captivate observers with its awe-inspiring display.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

During a Total Solar Eclipse, the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, completely obscuring the Sun’s face. This creates a remarkable phenomenon known as the Path of Totality, where the Moon’s shadow fully envelops the Sun. Along this path, viewers witness the sky darken, resembling the transition between dawn and dusk. Weather permitting, observers may also catch a glimpse of the Sun’s Corona, its outer atmosphere typically hidden by the Sun’s brilliance.

Will it be Visible in India? When and Where to Watch?

Scheduled for April 8, the first Solar Eclipse of 2024 will not be visible from India. Instead, it will traverse North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. NASA reports that this eclipse marks the last Total Solar Eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. Commencing over the South Pacific Ocean, the eclipse will coincide with the Moon’s closest proximity to Earth, enhancing the spectacle.

Viewing Locations and Time

If weather permits, the eclipse will first be visible along Mexico’s Pacific coast around 11:07 am PDT. It will then traverse the United States, passing through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Portions of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience totality, followed by Canada’s Southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton.

How to Safely Watch the Solar Eclipse

Viewing a Solar Eclipse without proper protection can be hazardous. Directly looking at the Sun is unsafe, even during an eclipse. Specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing is essential. During the brief period of Totality, viewers may temporarily remove their solar viewing glasses to witness the event. However, caution must be exercised to avoid eye damage.

Also Read: Prosecutors Seek Extension Of Gag Order In Trump Trial Over Alleged Violations

Malika Sahni

Recent Posts

India Poised For Highest G20 Growth: Moody’s

Moody’s has forecasted India’s GDP growth at 6.5% for 2025-26, maintaining its position as the…

12 mins ago

Nushrratt Bharuccha Shares Her Thrilling Journey With ‘Chhorii 2’

As the sequel to the hit horror film ‘Chhorii’ approaches its release, Nushrratt Bharuccha expresses…

28 mins ago

India’s Defence Exports Reach Record Rs 23,622 Crore In 2024-25

India’s defence exports hit a record Rs 23,622 crore ($2.76 billion) in 2024-25, up 12.04%…

30 mins ago

Passenger & Cargo Traffic On National Waterways Sees Massive Surge

India’s national waterways have witnessed a significant rise in both passenger and cargo traffic over…

41 mins ago

Supreme Court Seeks Reply On Uttarakhand Madrasa Crackdown

The Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and Uttarakhand on a petition challenging the…

1 hour ago

Supreme Court Rejects Medha Patkar’s Plea In Defamation Case

The Supreme Court upheld Medha Patkar’s defamation conviction in a case filed by Delhi’s Lieutenant…

2 hours ago