The Solar Eclipse 2024, also known as the Great North American Eclipse, is an astronomical phenomenon that will occur on April 8, 2024. During this event, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light from reaching Earth. This can only happen during a new moon when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth. The total solar eclipse will be visible from North America, specifically crossing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Solar Eclipse 2024 Date, Timing, and Duration
The total solar eclipse will begin at 9:12 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) on April 8, 2024, and the totality will start at 10:08 pm IST. It will end on April 9, 2024, at 2:22 am IST. The totality, which is the most dramatic part of the eclipse, will last for about 4 minutes and 27 seconds, which is almost double that of the Great American Eclipse of August 2017.
Where and How to Watch Solar Eclipse 2024
You can experience the awe-inspiring event virtually! Here are some popular live streams to tune into:
- NASA: Starting at 5:00 pm GMT (10:30 pm IST) on April 8, 2024.
- timeanddate.com: Starting at 4:30 pm GMT (10:00 pm IST) on April 8, 2024.
- McDonald Observatory: An astronomical research facility located in far west Texas, and part of the University of Texas at Austin, will also Livestream the celestial event.
Viewing Solar Eclipse 2024 from India
While the total solar eclipse will not be visible from India, astronomy enthusiasts and curious viewers can still experience this celestial event through live streams provided by reputable sources. NASA, timeanddate.com, and the McDonald Observatory in far west Texas, part of the University of Texas at Austin, are among the organizations planning to broadcast the eclipse live.
Safety Measures for Watching Solar Eclipse 2024
Looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can burn the eye’s retinas and cause permanent damage or even blindness. Therefore, viewers have been advised to wear protective eyewear such as licensed eclipse glasses during the partial phases in a bid to not damage the eye’s retinas.
In conclusion, the Solar Eclipse 2024 is a rare and fascinating astronomical event that will be visible from North America. While it won’t be visible from India, you can still experience the eclipse through live streams provided by NASA, timeanddate.com, and McDonald Observatory. Remember to take necessary safety measures while watching the eclipse to avoid any damage to your eyes.
