GUWAHATI: Astronomy enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating a rare celestial spectacle, the Total Solar Eclipse, slated to occur on Monday, April 8.
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Unfortunately, observers in India will miss out on the opportunity to witness the event as the eclipse will be visible in the region covering Polynesia (inc. Hawaii), most of North America (except Alaska), Central America, Greenland, Iceland, Azores, according to IMD and NASA.
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“On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada," NASA stated on its website.
“A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk," NASA's official website stated.
The eclipse is expected to last for several hours, offering enthusiasts a chance to experience this captivating event. The eclipse is scheduled to commence at 9:12 pm (IST) on April 8 and will conclude by 2:22 am on April 9.
However, viewers are cautioned against looking directly at the sun during the eclipse, as it can cause severe eye damage. To safely observe the eclipse, stargazers must use specialised eye protection or safety gear. Additionally, it is essential to secure a special-purpose solar filter over the front optics of telescopes, camera lenses, or binoculars before attempting to view any part of the sun.
For those unable to witness the eclipse in person, there are various options to watch it online through live-stream broadcasts.
NASA will provide multiple live broadcasts of the eclipse, along with other platforms such as Time and Date, which will stream the event from locations like Llano and Texas. Moreover, a team from the University of Maine will offer a live stream of the eclipse from the stratosphere.
During the eclipse, NASA plans to launch three rockets across the path of totality to study atmospheric changes. The live stream of these launches, accompanied by commentary, will be provided by the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia
