New Delhi: The first solar eclipse of the year, a total solar eclipse, commenced at 9:12 pm IST on Monday. Excitement abounds among residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as this event marks the final opportunity for North Americans to witness a total solar eclipse until August 2044. Although the celestial spectacle wasn't visible to individuals in India, it can be experienced on virtual streaming online.
Here, a total Solar Eclipse is seen in the North American country of Mexico.
The eclipse will draw to a close at 2:22 am IST on April 9. During a total solar eclipse, when the new Moon aligns precisely between the Sun and the Earth, its shadow, known as the umbra, completely obscures the Sun's face from view on Earth, creating a breathtaking display of nature's wonder.
During a total solar eclipse, the Sun's corona becomes clearly visible. But one must not look at the Sun directly at the time of totality, or when the Moon completely covers the bright face of the Sun, because this can cause severe eye injury.
Scientists To Closely Study Solar Eclipse 2024
Scientists both on and off the path of totality of the upcoming solar eclipse are gearing up to study the event meticulously. Their focus lies on uncovering intriguing insights into the Sun's corona and the eclipse's impact on Earth's atmosphere. Taking place during the pinnacle of the current solar cycle, which commenced in December 2019 and extends until 2030, this eclipse presents an opportune moment to delve into detailed studies of the Sun.
The solar eclipse, especially a total solar eclipse, stands as a captivating astrophysical phenomenon that provides invaluable insights into physics. As the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's direct light, astronomers seize the opportunity to conduct comparative observations.