A total solar eclipse It will cross North America on April 8, passing through Mexico, the United States and Canada, and similar countries will not return to the African continent until 2044.
This special astronomical phenomenon occurs when the moon aligns between the sun and the earth space, completely blocking the sun’s surface and exposing the sun’s corona for a short period of time. It can confuse wildlife and surprise even the most informed viewers.
“It gives you a sense of place, a sense of belonging, and how small in the universe we are, how did we get so lucky to be in this place where things happen to line up the way they do?” Kelly Korek said, NASA Program manager for eclipse.
Over the past few months, Mashable has worked tirelessly to cover everything you need to know about this momentous event. Below is a summary of our guidance and coverage.
Iconic Trump meme may save eyes during this eclipse
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How often does a total solar eclipse occur?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon is between the two sun and Earth. During the brief period when the Sun is completely hidden behind the Moon (up to 4.5 minutes this time), the sky will darken until dusk.
When the sun is blocked, it is called a “total eclipse” and people rarely have the opportunity to observe it corona of the sun around the edges moon. The corona is the outer layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, which is typically washed away by the brighter Sun’s surface.
Iconic Trump meme may save eyes during this eclipse
As Mashable reports, this particular alignment occurs on our planet about every one or two years. But since more than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, it’s uncommon to see such events from land.Even more unusual is living where a solar eclipse occurs you: On average, a total solar eclipse returns to the same location Approximately every 375 years.
This phenomenon has occurred throughout civilization throughout history, with ancient people associating solar eclipses with solar eclipses. superstition and fear. But most people today understand total solar eclipses to be harmless natural events.Astronomers often describe their experiences of solar eclipses as filled with Introspection, ecstasy and wonder.
A map shows where the moon’s shadow will cross the United States during the April 2024 solar eclipse, known as the path of totality.
Image source: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio
Solar eclipse path calculator shows which locations will experience totality
The moon will cast its shadow over the continent starting off the west coast of Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT, sweeping from Texas over Maine and into Canada via Ontario, and exiting Newfoundland at 5:16 p.m. Newfoundland. Major U.S. cities on this path include Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland. More than 31 million people live within this corridor.
If you’re not sure you’ll be in the right place at the right time, Mashable has compiled Solar eclipse calculator This will help. Elsewhere in the continental United States, from coast to coast, a partial solar eclipse will occur, meaning part of the sun will be exposed at its peak.
Mix and match speed of light
The best chance of clear skies is in the west.Statistically, Texas and Arkansas look the most promising, although the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has put together Cloud cover map This shows the possibility of visibility based on climate records.
Experts warn viewers not to look in the direction of the sun unless it is completely obscured by the moon.
Photo credit: Nicholas Cam/AFP, Getty Images
Solar eclipse glasses will help people view the solar eclipse safely. How to get yours.
Never stare at the sun unless you are wearing protective sun filters or the sun is completely hidden behind the moon. Otherwise, even briefly looking at the edge of the sun may cause visual impairment.
Ophthalmologists and scientists say The sun can really boil people’s eyescausing solar retinopathy. All memes and jokes aside, scarring from sun burns can be permanent and result in legal blindness, depending on the severity of the injury. A few small glances can be just as harmful as a long stare.
If you’re not sure where to buy glasses or need help determining whether a pair of glasses meets international safety standards, check out Mashable’s guide solar eclipse glasses.
On August 21, 2017, as the total solar eclipse neared its peak over Casper, Wyoming, the “diamond ring” effect became apparent.
Photo credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
How the 2024 solar eclipse will be different from the last one
There will be a total solar eclipse on April 8 Lasts longer and may look darker, the corona should look more like a spiked crown More than in 2017. In addition, many times more people live in the path of totality, and it is safe to take off solar eclipse protective glasses for a few minutes when the sun is completely blocked.
Corona means “crown” in Latin. Because of the Sun’s position in the 11-year solar cycle, eclipse observers are more likely to see the corona surrounded by spikes, as its name evokes.
How the 2024 solar eclipse will be different from the last time
Eclipse chasers are also excited about the chance to see wispy pink tendrils and bubbles or spots in the corona.
12/P Comet Pons-Brooks, also known as the “Devil’s Comet,” will make its closest approach to the sun on April 21, two weeks after the solar eclipse.
Photo credit: Dan Bartlett
What to pay attention to during the solar eclipse
The most intriguing feature is the sun’s corona, a gauzy white glow that appears when the moon blocks the sun. During a total eclipse, no two coronas look the same, each taking on different shapes and characteristics due to solar activity.
But there are other fun things to look forward to in the sky.planet Jupiter and Venus Will stand out in a dark palette and outshine the brightest Sirius.
Comets can light-bomb solar eclipses. This is the place to look.
Comet 12/P Pons Brooks, also known as “The Devil’s Comet” On April 21, two weeks after the eclipse, it will be closest to the sun. The timing of the visit means the giant space snowball can be seen during the brief twilight hours when the sun is obscured.The key is whether comet A sudden eruption, called an eruption, occurs about a day ago.
What a solar eclipse looks like from space
Few people from space have witnessed the effects of a total solar eclipse. From the vantage point of the International Space Station, a laboratory orbiting about 250 miles above Earth, Astronauts saw the moon’s shadowlike a huge storm hitting their home planet.
Some other worlds also experience solar eclipses, although not all have moons that are large enough from the planet’s surface to completely obscure the sun. Not all satellites are the right size and shape for the job.This was highlighted when NASA’s Mars rover Perseverance recently captured video of the Martian moon Phobos Partially shaded from the sun. From the perspective of the Red Planet, the 40-second event looked a bit like a flying potato.