• By Abhirupa Kundu
  • Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:48 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Solar Eclipse: A total solar eclipse will grace the skies across North America turning day into night on April 8. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun blocking the sun's light entirely or partially. The cosmic drama, however, will only be visible from a few places. The total solar eclipse 2024 will darken the entire skies and will be visible across a 185-kilometre stretch between Mexico, the United States, and Canada and as many as 18 different US states will also get to witness it. 

Even though initial media reports suggested that the astronomical phenomenon will be tracked by India's maiden solar spacecraft Aditya-L1 on April 8, but Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath said that the Aditya-L1 spacecraft will not see the solar eclipse as the moon is behind it. 

"Aditya L1 spacecraft will not see the solar eclipse as the moon is behind the spacecraft, at the Lagrange Point 1 (L1 point), the eclipse that is visible on Earth doesn't have much significance at that location," he told NDTV. 

Interestingly, the Aditya L1 satellite creates its own artificial solar eclipse to effectively study the Sun with its special instrument, the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), the ISRO chief added.

Solar Eclipse 2024 Timing 

United States space agency said that eventhough the event will take place for a duration of two and a half hours but the total solar eclipse will only last for four minutes. "The duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017," the Great American Eclipse said. 

Where To Watch 

The solar eclipse can be live stramed online even if you cant see it from your country."Not in the path or want to join the #eclipse party? Wherever you are, watch the total solar eclipse with us on Monday. Our livestream begins at 1pm ET (1700 UTC). But how can you tune in?" NASA posted on X, giving information about platforms where it can be streamed.

The total solar eclipse 2024 can be live stramed on YouTube, NASA's Facebook Page, Twitch and Dailymotion.

Monday's cosmic extravaganza stretches from Mexico's Pacific beaches to Canada's rugged Atlantic shores, with 15 US states in between. A total eclipse happens when the moon lines up perfectly between Earth and the sun, blotting out the sunlight. That means a little over four minutes of daytime darkness east of Dallas in Mesquite, where locals like Jorge Martinez have the day off. The land surveyor plans to "witness history" from home with his wife and their 3-year-old daughter, Nati.

In Cleveland, the eclipse persuaded women's Final Four fans Matt and Sheila Powell to stick around an extra day after Sunday's game. But they were debating whether to begin their drive home to Missouri Valley, Iowa, early Monday in search of clearer skies along the eclipse's path. "We're trying to be flexible," Powell said. Even the eclipse professionals were up in the air.

Eclipse mapmaker Michael Zeiler had a perfect record ahead of Monday, seeing 11 out of 11 total solar eclipses after successfully relocating three of those times at the last minute for better weather.

"We are the complete opposite of tornado chasers, always seeking clear skies," Zeiler said in an email over the weekend. This time, though, he was staying put in Fredericksburg, Texas, with his family, 10 of them altogether, and holding onto "a considerable ray of hope."

Tips To Safeguard Yourself During Solar Eclipse: 

Eye Protection: Never look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes. Use certified solar viewing glasses or solar filters specifically designed for safe solar viewing. These glasses block harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation.

Indirect Viewing: Instead of looking directly at the sun, use indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors or solar eclipse glasses to safely observe the eclipse. You can create a pinhole projector by making a small hole in a piece of cardboard and projecting the image of the sun onto a surface like another piece of cardboard or the ground.

Avoid Cameras and Binoculars: Do not use cameras, binoculars, or telescopes to view the sun during an eclipse unless they are fitted with proper solar filters. Looking through these devices without adequate protection can cause serious eye damage.

Protect Skin: Although the sun's intensity may decrease during an eclipse, it's still important to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves, if you plan to be outdoors during the eclipse.

Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with information about the eclipse, including its timing and duration. Follow guidelines provided by local authorities and reputable sources to ensure your safety.