Some parts of North America will experience darkness next week due to a rare celestial event that won’t happen again for several decades. This solar eclipse is scheduled for the following Monday, marking its first occurrence since 2017, when it will fully obscure the sun.
A total solar eclipse transpires when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, effectively blocking out the Sun’s face, as explained by NASA. This eclipse is anticipated to last longer than the one in 2017 because the moon will be closer to Earth than usual, at a distance of 223,000 miles.
The total darkness, or totality, will peak over Mexico, lasting 4 minutes and 28 seconds, while in Syracuse, N.Y., it will endure for only 1 1/2 minutes.
2024 total eclipse (Credits: Stars Insider)
The forthcoming total solar eclipse is slated for April 8, following the last occurrence in August 2017. Subsequently, it will be a few decades until the next one, projected for August 2044 in Montana and North Dakota.
The eclipse’s path will cast the moon’s shadow over areas from the Southwest U.S. to the Northeast, encompassing 15 states where the total eclipse will be visible. This trajectory will traverse from Texas through states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New York to Maine.
Total Solar Eclipse (Credits: The Conversation)
For safe viewing, NASA is providing a livestream, as looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can result in “eclipse blindness.” Ordinary sunglasses are insufficient for protection; instead, eclipse glasses with a specific ISO 12312-2 filter are recommended. These glasses should be worn during the partial solar eclipse phase.
If using a telescope or camera lens, a special-purpose solar filter is necessary. During the brief period of totality, when the moon fully covers the sun, it is safe to remove the glasses. However, they should be promptly put back on once the moon’s movement exposes the sun again.
