This month brings with it a solar eclipse, but what is the best way to view this celestial spectacle?
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies, as the Moon positions itself to obscure the Sun's face.
This remarkable event will be visible in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, offering a breathtaking view for anyone lucky enough to see it.
Dubbed the "Great North American Solar Eclipse", this event distinguishes itself from eclipses of the past century.
According to Space.com, the last century witnessed a total of 75 solar eclipses, spanning from 1925 to 2024, including various types such as annular-total/hybrid and non-central total eclipses.
On average, the maximum total duration for these eclipses was 3 minutes and 13 seconds. Jean Meeus, a renowned Belgian Earth and planetary scientist specializing in celestial mechanics explained that the absolute maximum possible duration for a total solar eclipse is 7 minutes and 32.1 seconds.
Renowned meteorologist Joe Rao points out that when a total solar eclipse surpasses the 4-minute mark, it ventures into the realm of the "exceptional".
The upcoming April 8, 2024 eclipse is poised to achieve a maximum duration of 4 minutes and 28.2 seconds in north-central Mexico, firmly securing its place in the esteemed "Four Minute or Greater Club".
Among the 75 sampled solar eclipses, this event ranks among the top 25% in terms of duration.
The path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be fully visible, starts in Mazatlán, Mexico, at around 11:07 AM local time on the Pacific coast, per BBC News.
It then progresses northeastward, traversing Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and along the US-Canada border before reaching its endpoint in Newfoundland, Canada.
Here's a breakdown of when the total solar eclipse will occur in various US and Canadian cities, all in local time:
- San Antonio, Texas: 1:33 PM Central
- Dallas, Texas: 1:40 PM Central
- Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59 PM Central
- Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13 PM Eastern
- Buffalo, New York: 3:18 PM Eastern
- Burlington, Vermont: 3:26 PM Eastern
- Montreal, Quebec: 3:27 PM Eastern
- Fredericton, New Brunswick: 4:33 PM Atlantic
- Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador: 5:12 PM Newfoundland Time
Numerous gatherings and events are planned across the continent to celebrate this celestial spectacle. From the Pacific coast of Mazatlán, Mexico, to the football stadium in Carbondale, Illinois, to the shores of Bonavista, Newfoundland, there's no shortage of opportunities to join in the excitement.
In the US, NASA is hosting a series of events, including a viewing at the Fair Park Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, featuring renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as a guest speaker.
For those planning to view the eclipse in person, it's crucial to use appropriate eye protection, as direct exposure to the Sun's rays can cause permanent damage or blindness.
Solar eclipse glasses are recommended, as they contain special filters that block harmful UV rays. Alternatively, creating a pinhole projector using two pieces of paper can provide a safe viewing method for those without proper eyewear.
