The first solar eclipse of 2024 is scheduled to occur on April 8, ahead of the Hindu festival of Chaitra Navratri. The eclipse will begin at 9:12 PM IST and continue till 2:22 AM on April 9. The solar eclipse will not be seen in India. Although it will not be visible from India, parts of North America will experience a total eclipse, providing an opportunity for scientific research, particularly on the solar corona.
A total solar eclipse is a rare event that people across the US and several events, from skydiving to special flights, are organized to witness the celestial phenomenon. For the first time in nearly a century, western and upstate New York will experience a total eclipse.
Also Read
- Tesla begins production of right-hand drive EVs for Indian market
- Meet Cyrus Mistry’s Sons, India’s Richest Billionaires Under 30
Depending on weather conditions, the solar eclipse will also be visible in Mexico, 15 US states and parts of eastern Canada. The total eclipse will have a total path over 100 miles wide. The duration of totality will be longer than the 2017 eclipse, lasting up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
NASA will broadcast the event live, providing views from various locations and expert analysis. During the 2024 eclipse, NASA will support several research projects focused on studying the Sun and its effect on Earth.
In areas where the eclipse is visible, safety precautions such as wearing special sunglasses and using indirect viewing techniques such as pinhole projectors are recommended to prevent eye damage. It’s also important to remember skin safety during the eclipse, with sunscreen, hats and protective clothing recommended to protect against sun exposure.
