This rare phenomenon will allow viewers an extended glimpse into the eclipse's breathtaking totality phase, where the sun's corona, a halo of plasma, becomes visible.
The moon crosses in front of the sun during the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023. (Photo: AFP)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 8, 2024 22:26 IST
Millions across North and Central America have turned their eyes towards the sky to witness the total solar eclipse.
This celestial event, where the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that completely obscures the sun, will be seen from Mexico through the United States and into Canada.
WATCH TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE LIVE HERE
The eclipse will begin its journey in Mexico at approximately 11:37â€ïpm, making its first landfall in Mazatlan. It then travels the continent, entering Texas at 11:57â€ïpm IST, and concluded its visible path in Maine at 1:05â€ïam IST.
The moon’s shadow will slice a diagonal line from the southwest to the northeast across North America, briefly plunging communities along the track into darkness.
Those fortunate enough to be positioned along the path of totality will experience darkness in the middle of the day, as if dusk had arrived hours early.
A LONG TOTALITY
Torreon in Mexico has emerged as the eclipse enthusiast's prime location, offering the longest duration of totality at an astonishing 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
This rare phenomenon will allow viewers there an extended glimpse into the eclipse's breathtaking totality phase, where the sun's corona, a halo of plasma, becomes visible.
The path of totality, significantly wider than the one observed during the 2017 eclipse, spans across several states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and extending northeast through Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Major cities such as Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo will be enveloped in darkness as the eclipse makes its way across the continent.
This year's eclipse is notable not only for its path but also for its timing and scientific significance. Occurring near the solar maximum, when the sun's activity is heightened, the 2024 eclipse offers a unique opportunity for both professional astronomers and amateur sky-watchers to observe solar phenomena such as prominences and possibly even coronal mass ejections.
Safety remains paramount, with experts advising the use of protective eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors to view the partial phases safely.
Published By:
Sibu Kumar Tripathi
Published On:
Apr 8, 2024
English (US) ·