A rare event, a total solar eclipse, is expected to occur in April 2024, darkening the skies of the United States. Here’s what you need to know about this phenomenon.
Millions of Americans will have the opportunity to witness a solar eclipse this year. Here is where you can view it.
A total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024.
and ways to view it.
When will the complete solar eclipse occur?
The next total solar eclipse
On April 8, 2024, an event will occur at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It will continue across certain areas of the U.S. and Canada, and will conclude its path on the North American continent at 5:19 p.m. EDT.
A solar eclipse occurs
According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the sun and Earth, causing the sun’s light to be blocked. During a partial solar eclipse, the moon blocks a portion of the sun’s light, but during a total solar eclipse, the moon perfectly aligns with the sun, completely blocking its light.
In August 2017, a significant event occurred – the first total eclipse to traverse the entire continent.nearly 100 years.
A circular solar eclipse
Could be seen in certain areas of the United States.
NASA reported that on October 14, 2023, the sun was not completely covered.
Where can the complete solar eclipse be seen?
According to NASA, approximately 31.6 million individuals reside within the 200-mile span where the total solar eclipse will be observable. In the year 2017, an estimated 12 million people were fortunate enough to witness a total solar eclipse.
Following its passage over Mexico during the early afternoon, the southern region of Texas will have the opportunity to witness the complete total eclipse at approximately 1:40 p.m. local time. The full eclipse will then be visible in parts of Oklahoma at 1:45 p.m., followed by Arkansas at around 1:51 p.m., and southeast Missouri at 1:56 p.m.
The solar eclipse will occur at approximately 2 p.m. in Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana, and around 3:13 p.m. in Ohio.
Some areas in Pennsylvania will witness the complete solar eclipse at approximately 3:16 p.m., while parts of northwestern New York will experience it a couple of minutes later at 3:18 p.m.
Afterwards, the storm will pass through sections of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine before reaching Canada at approximately 4:25 p.m.
Diagram showing the path of a complete solar eclipse
NASA has designed a chart depicting the trajectory of the solar eclipse as it travels through Mexico, multiple states in the U.S., and eventually reaches northeast Canada.
NASA
The solar eclipse is expected to start at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will then move towards the northeast, passing through certain areas of the United States and Canada. It will exit continental North America at 5:19 p.m. EDT.
NASA
What precautions should be taken when viewing the solar eclipse?
During a partial solar eclipse, it is crucial to wear eclipse glasses in order to prevent harm to your eyes. Once the sun is completely covered, it is safe to view it directly, however, there may still be glimpses of the sun visible before and after the moment of totality.
According to NASA, eclipse glasses must adhere to the ISO 12312-2 safety standard and are significantly darker than sunglasses. The American Astronomical Society provides a list of verified solar viewers.
According to NASA, it is not recommended to view the eclipse through a camera, binoculars, or telescope, even with eclipse glasses. The intense solar rays can potentially burn through the lenses and cause severe eye damage.
There are alternative methods to observe the eclipse, such as using a DIY pinhole projector.
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Source: cbsnews.com