2024-04-05 23:31:57
Washington: The wait of astronomers and space enthusiasts around the world is soon going to end. We are talking about the first solar eclipse of the year which is going to take place on 8th April. Apart from being the first of the year, it will also be a total solar eclipse. This happens when the Moon comes exactly between the Sun and the Earth. The solar eclipse of April 8 will be special in many ways. This time, due to the special position of the Moon, it will be the longest solar eclipse in the last 5 decades. During this period, there will be darkness on the earth throughout the time. Let us understand this solar eclipse in 10 points.1- This time the total solar eclipse can be seen across North America. People of America, Canada and Mexico will be able to see this eclipse with naked eyes. The solar eclipse of April 8 will not be visible in India. At that time it would be night in India.
2- US space agency NASA has reported that on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America through Mexico, the US and Canada. NASA will broadcast the solar eclipse event live on YouTube.
3- The effect of this eclipse will be visible for several hours in different areas of America, Mexico and Canada. During this period, there will be darkness in some areas for 7.5 minutes, which will be the longest. Before this, the longest total solar eclipse of the twenty-first century occurred on July 22, 2009, which lasted for 6 minutes 39 seconds.
4- According to the report of Space.com, the solar eclipse will start at 10:08 pm Indian time on April 8 and will end at 1.25 am on April 9. At the same time, the total duration of the eclipse will be approximately 12 hours from 2:12 pm to 2:22 am on April 9.
5- A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon, moving on its orbital path, comes between the Sun and the Earth. When this happens, the Moon completely covers the Sun and sunlight stops reaching the Earth. Due to this the earth becomes dark. This is the situation just before sunrise and just before sunset.
6- This time, just a day before the solar eclipse, the Moon will be closest to the Earth at a distance of 3.60 lakh kilometers. Due to its proximity, the size of the Moon will appear relatively larger in the sky, due to which an interesting sight will be visible. This is also the reason behind the prolongation of this solar eclipse.
7- During a solar eclipse the corona of the sun becomes clearly visible. However, scientists recommend not viewing the solar eclipse with the naked eye, as it can harm your eyes. Solar eclipse should be viewed with special safety glasses.
8- If you are observing through a camera or telescope, be sure to use a special solar filter on the front optics of the lens or telescope. Looking at any part of the sun without proper protective equipment can cause serious eye damage.
9- In North America, the solar eclipse will be first visible in Mexico. After Mexico, it will move into the United States through Texas and pass through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire.
10- The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 12 in the year 2026. It can be seen in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.