Solar Eclipse 2024 Date and Time: Check latest updates on total solar Eclipse, duration and how to watch online. A solar eclipse is an astronomical event where the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and blocks the Sun’s light either entirely or partially.
Get ready for an amazing show in the sky! On April 8, a special event called a total solar eclipse will happen over North America. It’s like turning off the lights during the day! But here’s the catch: only certain places can see it, making it super rare.
So, what’s a solar eclipse? Picture this: the Moon scoots between Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the sunlight. When it fully covers the Sun, it creates a dark path called the “path of totality.” People standing in this path get to see the sky turn dark, like a really late sunset or early sunrise.
If you’re not in the path of totality, you’ll still see something cool—a partial eclipse. The sky will dim a bit, depending on how much the Moon covers the Sun from your spot.
Mark your calendars because this eclipse is happening on April 8! It’ll darken the sky across a 185-kilometre area from Mexico to the US and Canada. Around 18 US states will get a front-row seat. But if you’re in India, sorry, you’ll miss out.
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Solar Eclipse Date and Timings
Here’s the solar eclipse timing: For folks in India, the eclipse begins at 9:12 pm on April 8. Total darkness starts at 10:08 pm and wraps up by 2:22 am on April 9, 2024. On the Pacific coast of Mexico, the darkness begins around 11:07 am, and it says goodbye to Maine at about 1:30 pm.
Solar Eclipse Duration
The whole event lasts about two and a half hours, but the total dark part is only about four minutes. That’s the peak! NASA says it could last up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds—a bit longer than the 2017 eclipse.
Safely View the Solar Eclipse
Now, let’s talk safety. The Sun’s super bright, so staring at it—even a tiny bit—can hurt your eyes big time. Make sure to wear special glasses made for eclipses. Otherwise, you risk hurting your eyes or even going blind.
How To Watch It Solar Eclipse Online
Can’t catch the eclipse in person? No worries! NASA’s got you covered with a live stream starting at 5:00 pm GMT on April 8. They’ll chat with experts and show views from telescopes along the eclipse path. You can also check out live streams from the McDonald Observatory in Texas or timeanddate.com’s YouTube channel.