April 8 Total Solar Eclipse: When, How Long, and How to Watch It Live Online:8 अप्रैल पूर्ण सूर्य ग्रहण: कब, कितनी देर, और इसे ऑनलाइन लाइव कैसे देखें
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, obscuring some or all of the Sun's light.
The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 is anticipated to create a stunning astronomical display, temporarily turning day into night across North America. Total eclipses are rare phenomena that darken the sky, making them a remarkable experience often considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
When the moon completely blocks the sun, it casts a shadow on Earth known as the "path of totality," which appears as a narrow band. Within this path, observers may experience a total solar eclipse if weather conditions permit. The sky within the path of totality will darken, resembling either dawn or dusk, as the moon fully covers the sun. Outside this path, people will witness only a partial eclipse, with the degree of darkness determined by how much of the sun is obscured by the moon from their location.
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE DATE AND TIMING:
The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, will span a distance of 185 kilometers across Mexico, the US, and Canada, providing a spectacle of complete darkness in the sky. It is expected to be visible from up to eighteen different states in the US. However, observers in India will not have the opportunity to witness this event.
The total solar eclipse is set to commence at 9:12 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST) on April 8, with totality occurring at 10:08 p.m., and concluding at 2:22 a.m. on April 9, 2024. Totality will begin along the Pacific coast of Mexico around 11:07 a.m. PDT and will end in Maine around 1:30 p.m. PDT.
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE DURATION:
While the total eclipse will last around four minutes, the entire event will span approximately two and a half hours. NASA suggests that during the moment of complete darkness, the most significant duration could reach up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds. In contrast, "The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017," notes that totality could last up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, nearly twice as long. Along the path of totality, most locations are expected to experience totality for three to four minutes.
The intensity of the sun's surface is such that looking directly at even a small portion of it can harm individual retinal cells. Therefore, during the partial stages of a solar eclipse, it is strongly advised for skywatchers worldwide to use protective eyewear, like authorized eclipse glasses. Failure to do so may result in retinal burns, leading to irreversible damage or potential blindness.
How to Safely View the Eclipse ?
The intense brightness of the sun's surface can damage individual retinal cells if stared at directly, even during partial stages of an eclipse. Therefore, it is recommended for skywatchers worldwide to use protective eyewear, such as authorized eclipse glasses. Failure to do so may result in retinal burns, leading to irreversible damage or potential blindness.
Total Solar Eclipse: How to Watch it Online
If you are unable to witness the solar eclipse in person, you can tune into the live feed provided by NASA. The broadcast will start on April 8 at 5:00 p.m. GMT (10:30 p.m. IST) and continue until 8:00 p.m. GMT (1:30 a.m. IST).
During the webcast, NASA will conduct expert interviews and provide telescope views of the eclipse from various locations along the eclipse path.
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