Get all the details about the April 8 solar eclipse: date, location, and significance of the total solar eclipse in 2024
The first total solar eclipse since 2017 will occur on April 8, covering the sky in darkness. Considered one of the most important celestial occurrences, NASA confirms that this eclipse will pass through various regions, including North America. Gain comprehensive knowledge about this upcoming total solar eclipse.
When will a total solar eclipse occur?
NASA says a total solar eclipse will occur on April 8. It starts over the South Pacific Ocean and the Pacific coast of Mexico is the first place to see the total solar eclipse. After that, it crosses North America and passes Mexico, the United States and Canada. This means cities like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York will witness the eclipse.
NASA says the totality’s path is about 16,000 kilometers long and 185 kilometers wide. According to Timeanddate.com, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is expected to last 4 minutes and 28 seconds, depending on the location of the totality.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, creating a shadow on the Earth, completely or partially covering the Sun’s light in some areas. Depending on how they’re aligned, eclipses offer a unique, exciting view of either the Sun or the Moon, according to NASA. There are many types of solar eclipses – annular, total and partial. A total solar eclipse, scheduled for April 8, will occur when the Moon completely covers the visible surface of the Sun.
A total solar eclipse offers a unique opportunity to study the Sun’s corona, which is not visible on other days due to the much brighter surface of the Sun.
How to see a total solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses should not be viewed directly with the naked eye, but total solar eclipses are different. During the short total phase of the total solar eclipse, viewers can remove their glasses and view the mesmerizing solar corona with the naked eye. NASA says it’s the only type of eclipse where the eclipse glasses can be temporarily removed.
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