GUWAHATI: The first solar eclipse of 2024 is set to occur today, April 8.
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Although not observable from India, this total solar eclipse will sweep across North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. But, what makes today's solar eclipse so rare?
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What makes today's solar eclipse particularly noteworthy is its totality, a phenomenon requiring a precise alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth, which occurs only once in a while.
According to NASA, during a total solar eclipse, the moon must be perfectly positioned between the Earth and the sun at the nodal points, effectively blocking out the sun's light.
However, due to slight variations in the Moon's orbit compared to that of Earth's around the sun, such alignments are infrequent occurrences.
During the peak of the eclipse, observers within the eclipse's path can expect the sky to darken, reminiscent of twilight hours.
If weather conditions permit, fortunate spectators may catch a glimpse of the sun's corona, its ethereal outer atmosphere typically obscured by the sun's luminance.
This solar eclipse is set to be a rare event with the last total solar eclipse occurring on December 4, 2021.
The next total solar eclipse is slated to occur on August 12, 2026, as per reports.