On April 8, a total solar eclipse that will turn day into night. Over North America is expected to provide skywatchers with an amazing astronomical show. A few places are able to witness total eclipses, which are spectacular events. That cause the sky to darken. For this reason, seeing an eclipse is frequently referred. To as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A solar eclipse: what is it?
When the Moon moves in front of the Earth and the Sun. It can completely or partially block the Sun’s light, a phenomenon known as a solar eclipse.
An area of the moon that completely obscures the sun creates a shadow on Earth known as a “path of totality.” This path traverses the surface as a comparatively narrow band. If the clouds and weather align, people standing inside this band can see a total solar eclipse. The sky will grow gloomy, resembling dawn or dusk, when the Moon fully obscures the Sun in the path of totality.
People will only witness a partial eclipse if they are not on that line, or the path of totality. Depending on the extent to which the Moon obscures the Sun in their location. The sky will appear to them to be slightly darker than it was prior to the eclipse.
Date and Time of Total Solar Eclipse:
April 8 is when the 2024 total solar eclipse will take place. A 185-kilometer stretch between Mexico, the US, and Canada will be visible. For the totality, or complete darkening of the sky. It will also be viewed in up to eighteen different US states.
The total solar eclipse is scheduled to start at 9:12 p.m. Standard Time on April 8. reach totality at 10:08 p.m., and end at 2:22 a.m. on April 9, 2024. Totality is expected to strike the Pacific coast of Mexico first. At approximately 11:07 am PDT, and exit Maine at approximately 1:30 pm PDT.
Duration of the Total Solar Eclipse
Although totality will only last for approximately four minutes. The entire event will take roughly two and a half hours. According to NASA, during the period of complete darkness. The peak spectacle could last up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds.
“The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017,” states. That “the duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that.” The duration of totality for most locations along the centerline (path of totality). Will be between 3.5 and 4 minutes.
How Can I Watch the Eclipse Safely?
The brightness of the Sun’s surface is so great that staring. At even a small portion of it can cause individual retinal cells to be damaged. During its partial phases, skywatchers worldwide are advised to wear protective eyewear. Such as authorized eclipse glasses. If you don’t, you risk burning the retinas of your eyes. Causing irreversible damage or possibly blindness.
