Today is an exciting day for astronomy enthusiasts, as a full solar eclipse is set to occur across North America. The eclipse’s path of totality will pass through 15 states in the United States. This will result in the sky darkening in the middle of the day on Monday, April 8th. This will be the last opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse in North America for the next 20 years.
This is the first solar eclipse to pass through North America in seven years. The previous eclipse in 2017 occurred in a different direction from this year’s path of totality, spanning from the Pacific Northwest to the lower Atlantic states and into the ocean.
What will happen during the eclipse?
The moon will move directly between the Earth and the sun, causing a temporary blockage of the sun’s view. In some parts of the United States, the moon will only partially cover the sun’s disk, resulting in a partial eclipse. However, towns in southwestern Texas will experience a total eclipse lasting 4 minutes and 24 seconds. The closer one is to the centerline of the path of totality, the longer the eclipse will last.
Which cities and states in the United States will experience a total solar eclipse?
The total solar eclipse can be observed in the United States from the southern border of Texas to the northern tip of Maine. Several cities, including Washington, D.C., Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, New York, and even parts of Canada, will experience this rare phenomenon. This means that many Americans have a good opportunity to witness the eclipse within a reasonable distance from their location.
Live solar eclipse
What safety precautions do you need to take?
The eclipse is safe to observe with eyes alone; however, during partial phases, eyes need protection from the sun’s light. To stay safe, use commercially available eclipse viewers. which should be inspected before use to prevent unfiltered sunlight.
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