Solar eclipse on April 8: What’s important about this year’s cosmic event?

The last time a solar eclipse was visible in North America was in 2017.

So what is the significance of this solar eclipse?

• For one, this eclipse will last almost twice as long and attract a larger audience than the eclipse that occurred across the United States in August 2017. During the event, the Moon will block the Sun for approximately 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
• A rare sight usually seen in remote areas, this time it will pass through major cities like Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland. An estimated 44 million people live within the path of totality, with several hundred million living within 200 miles (320 kilometres), making it the largest eclipse audience ever on the continent.
• Nearly everyone in North America will experience a partial eclipse, and for those who are unable to see it in person, NASA is providing online live streaming from various cities in the path of totality.
• The moon’s shadow is going to move diagonally across North America, from southwest to northeast, plunging communities in its path into momentary darkness. Totality will begin in Mazatlan, Mexico and end in Newfoundland, Canada.
• Along the way, 15 US states stretching from Texas to Maine will witness totality, with the phenomenon also visible in parts of Tennessee and Michigan.
• However, visibility of the event will depend on weather conditions. The National Weather Service is issuing daily updates on the forecast for cloudy skies along the path of the eclipse.
• During a total eclipse, viewers may also see a comet along with four planets. Jupiter will appear to the left of the Sun, while Venus will be to the right. Saturn and Mars will be located to the right of Venus, although less visible. Comet 12P/Ponce-Brookes is currently passing by Earth, an event that occurs approximately every 71 years. Although faint, it will be located close to Jupiter during the eclipse.
• After Monday’s eclipse, the next total solar eclipse is not expected until 2026. However, it will only touch the northern regions of the world, Greenland, Iceland and Spain. In 2027, another eclipse will pass over Spain and North Africa, with a total duration lasting an impressive 6 1/2 minutes.
• North Americans will have to wait until 2033 for the next total solar eclipse, which will only be visible in Alaska. In 2044, Western Canada, Montana and North Dakota will enjoy prime viewing locations. Ultimately, in 2045, the United States will once again see a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse.

When will the solar eclipse be visible in India?

Space lovers in India will not be able to see this event. Fans from all over the world are flying to America to see the astronomical spectacle from the air.

Notably, in 2031, the annular solar eclipse on May 21 will cover about 28.87 percent of the Sun and will be visible over many Indian cities.

This “Ring of Fire” eclipse will grace the skies of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kochi, Alappuzha, Chalakudy, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, Penavu, Gudalur (Theni), Theni, Madurai, Ilaiyangudi, Karaikudi and Vedaranyam cities will witness the solar eclipse of 2031.

It is advised to avoid looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse as it is unsafe and can cause harm to the eyes. To view the astronomical phenomenon one must wear special eye protection equipment for solar viewing.

Milestone alert!
Livemint tops charts as fastest growing news website in the world Click here to find out more.

Unlock a world of benefits! From informative newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and personalized newsfeeds – it’s all here, just a click away! log in now!

Published: 03 April 2024, 01:02 PM IST