Solar eclipse is a special event for astronomers and science lovers. This year, a total eclipse is occurring on April 8, and stargazers around the world are excitedly awaiting this rare cosmic event.
According to a report by sciencenews.orgThis year’s total eclipse will last longer, the sky will darken, and the sun itself will appear more alive.
Additionally, this year’s eclipse will be the last major eclipse to cross North America in 20 years.
Why will the eclipse last longer?
The report said that in April the Moon will be at a point in its orbit that will be comparatively closer to the Earth. This will make the Moon appear especially larger. It will be a dark eclipse, lasting about four and a half minutes – which is two minutes longer than the Great American Eclipse of 2017.
Scientists claim the Sun will be near solar maximum in 2024 – the peak of its approximately 11-year activity cycle. This will result in numerous bright, petal-like streams of plasma extending from the solar corona.
Also read: Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Major astronomical event to occur on this date – What to expect and safety measures
This increase in solar activity could also increase the likelihood of a coronal mass ejection – a large puff of hot gas trapped in a magnetic field loop that explodes away from the sun’s surface, the report said.
If coronal mass ejections occur, viewers will be able to see them without any special equipment.
What is special in the path of this eclipse?
“About 32 million people (will be) on the way (in total),” science news Quoting cartographer Michael Zeiler, who said, “That’s about two and a half times as many as during the 2017 eclipse. And the major East Coast metros from Baltimore to Boston are about 200 miles away from the path of totality.”
The path of totality is going to be very accessible in every US state, as well as to a lesser extent in parts of northwestern Mexico and southeastern Canada, according to Zeiler, founder of GreatAmericanEclipse.com.
According to NASA, the total solar eclipse will enter Texas in the US, and pass through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. In Canada, it will be visible in southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
Will it be visible in India?
The total solar eclipse of 2024 will not be visible in India.
Eclipse time: 2.12 pm to 2.22 pm.
Unlock a world of benefits! From informative newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and personalized newsfeeds – it’s all here, just a click away! log in now!
Catch all business news, market news, breaking news events and latest news updates on Live Mint. Download Mint News app to get daily market updates.
more less
Published: March 27, 2024, 06:48 PM IST
