What is a Solar Eclipse?
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 a shadow on Earth known as the “path of totality,” where the sky becomes dark as if it were dawn or dusk. Within this path, observers can witness a total solar eclipse, while outside the path, people see a partial eclipse.
When and Where:
The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will be visible across a 185-kilometre stretch from Mexico to the US and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin at 9:12 pm (IST) on April 8, totality will start at 10:08 pm (IST), and will end on April 9, 2024, at 2:22 am (IST). It will last about two and a half hours, with totality lasting approximately four minutes.
Necessary Precautions:
Protective eyewear, such as licensed eclipse glasses, is crucial for safe viewing, as staring at the Sun’s surface can cause permanent damage or blindness.
Live Streaming:
For those unable to witness the eclipse in person, NASA will provide a live stream of the event, starting at 5:00 pm GMT (10:30 pm IST) and continuing until 8:00 pm GMT (1:30 am IST), along with expert conversations and telescope views from various sites along the eclipse path.
Additionally, the McDonald Observatory in Texas and the skywatching website timeanddate.com will also offer live streams of the total solar eclipse on their respective platforms.