Total Solar Eclipse On April 8: Time, Duration And How To Watch It Live Online
Total Solar Eclipse 2024: A solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon where the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and blocks the Sun’s light either entirely or partially
Indeed, a total solar eclipse is a breathtaking event that captures the imagination of people worldwide. The alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth in such a way that the Moon completely blocks the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth, creates a remarkable spectacle. During a total solar eclipse, the sky darkens, and the stars and planets become visible. The sudden change from daylight to darkness can be a surreal experience for those fortunate enough to witness it.
While total solar eclipses occur relatively frequently somewhere on Earth, they are only visible from specific locations along a narrow path known as the “path of totality.” Outside this path, observers may experience a partial eclipse, where only a portion of the Sun is obscured by the Moon. Because the path of totality is typically narrow and moves across the Earth’s surface, the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse from any given location is indeed rare, often referred to as a once-in-a-lifetime event.
For skywatchers in North America, the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event. Planning ahead and choosing a suitable viewing location within the path of totality can enhance the experience, allowing observers to fully appreciate the celestial show unfolding above them. Whether it’s through specialized eclipse glasses, telescopes, or simply by gazing up at the sky, the total solar eclipse offers a remarkable opportunity to connect with the wonders of the universe.
Total Solar Eclipse On April 8: Time, Duration And How To Watch It Live Online
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon where the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and blocks the Sun’s light either entirely or partially.
When the moon completely covers the sun, it casts a shadow on Earth, forming what is called a “path of totality.” This path is a relatively narrow band that moves across the surface. People standing inside this band can witness a total solar eclipse, provided the weather and clouds cooperate. In the path of totality, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, the sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk.
Unless people are on that line—the path of totality—they will only see a partial eclipse. For them, the sky will appear slightly darker than it was before the eclipse, depending on how much the Moon blocks the Sun in their location.
Total Solar Eclipse Date and Timings:
The total solar eclipse of 2024 will occur on April 8. The total darkening of the sky, also known as totality, will be visible across a 185-kilometre stretch between Mexico, the US, and Canada. As many as 18 different US States will also get to see it. However, it won’t be visible to skywatchers in India,
According to the Indian Standard Time (IST), the total solar eclipse will begin at 9:12 pm on April 8, totality will start at 10:08 pm, and will end on April 9, 2024, at 2:22 am. The Pacific coast of Mexico will experience totality first, around 11:07 am PDT, and the occurrence will leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT.
Total Solar Eclipse On April 8: Time, Duration And How To Watch It Live Online
Total Solar Eclipse Duration
The whole event will take about two and a half hours, but totality will only last about four minutes. As per NASA, the peak spectacle is expected to last for up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds in the path of total darkness.
“The duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017,” according toGreat American Eclipse. Most places along the centerline (path of totality) will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.
How To Safely View the Eclipse?
The Sun’s surface is so bright that if you stare at any portion of it, no matter how small, it produces enough light to damage individual retinal cells. Skygazers across the world have been advised to wear protective eyewear, such as licensed eclipse glasses, during its partial phases. Failure to do so can burn your eye’s retinas and cause permanent damage or even blindness.
Total Solar Eclipse: How To Watch It Online?
If you cannot witness the solar eclipse in person, you can tune in to NASA’s live stream. The space agency will start its live stream on April 8 at 5:00 pm GMT (10:30 pm IST) and continue until 8:00 pm GMT (1:30 am IST).
During the broadcast, NASA will also be sharing conversations with experts and providing telescope views of the eclipse from several sites along the eclipse path.
Total Solar Eclipse On April 8: Time, Duration And How To Watch It Live Online
Total Solar Eclipse On April 8: Time, Duration And How To Watch It Live Online
(FAQs) about total solar eclipses:
- What is a total solar eclipse? A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light and casting a shadow on the Earth.
- When does a total solar eclipse happen? Total solar eclipses happen when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align in a straight line, with the Moon positioned directly between the Sun and the Earth.
- How often do total solar eclipses occur? Total solar eclipses are relatively rare events that occur approximately once every 18 months somewhere on Earth. However, the path of totality—where the total eclipse is visible—varies, so the chance of seeing one from a specific location is much less frequent.
- What is the path of totality? The path of totality is the narrow strip on the Earth’s surface where the total solar eclipse is visible. Outside this path, observers may see a partial eclipse, where only part of the Sun is covered by the Moon.
- How long does a total solar eclipse last? The duration of totality varies for each eclipse and can last anywhere from a few seconds to a maximum of about seven and a half minutes, depending on various factors such as the geometry of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, as well as the observer’s location within the path of totality.
- Where can I see the next total solar eclipse? The location where a total solar eclipse is visible depends on the specific event. Astronomical organizations and websites typically provide information about upcoming eclipses, including maps showing the path of totality.
- Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse? It is never safe to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even during a total solar eclipse. Viewing the Sun without adequate protection can cause serious and permanent eye damage. Safe viewing methods include using solar viewing glasses or indirect viewing techniques, such as pinhole projectors.
- What can I expect to see during a total solar eclipse? During totality, the sky darkens dramatically, and the Sun’s corona—the outer atmosphere—becomes visible. Stars and planets may also become visible in the darkened sky, and the temperature may drop slightly.
- Can I photograph a total solar eclipse? Yes, you can photograph a total solar eclipse, but it’s essential to use appropriate solar filters to protect your camera equipment and to prevent damage to your eyes if you’re looking through the camera viewfinder.
- Where can I find more information about total solar eclipses? There are many reputable sources of information about solar eclipses, including astronomy websites, books, and organizations such as NASA and the American Astronomical Society.