Solar Eclipse: Did You Know Google Has A Special Easter Egg? Here’s How To Activate It

Solar eclipse is a rare, fascinating celestial event that plunges the entire sky into complete darkness for seconds. In case you stand a chance to miss it, we bring you the official live stream link from NASA as well.

On April 8, skygazers across North America will be treated to a spectacular Total Solar Eclipse, momentarily plunging the day into darkness. Unfortunately, enthusiasts in India and similar regions outside the eclipse's path will miss out on the spectacle. However, to get into the spirit, you can check out a fun easter egg on Google Search, where your screen will be covered by a virtual solar eclipse of sorts. Read on to find out how to activate it.

How To Activate Solar Eclipse Easter Egg On Google

The steps are pretty simple. Just head over to Google and look up “solar eclipse” on the Search bar. Once you press Enter, a short animation of a total solar eclipse would appear, drowning the entire screen in darkness. The whole thing is over in seconds and is more cosmetic than anything else. Still, it’s fun to check out. 

When Will The Total Solar Eclipse Take Place Today?

The eclipse is scheduled to commence at 9:12 pm IST on April 8, reaching full totality by 10:08 pm, and concluding in the early hours of April 9, at 2:22 am IST. The shadow will first touch down on the Pacific coast of Mexico at approximately 11:07 am PDT and will exit near Maine around 1:30 pm PDT, with the entire event spanning roughly two and a half hours. However, the total eclipse phase will last about four minutes, with the maximum duration of darkness reaching up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds in certain areas, nearly twice as long as the totality experienced during the Great American Eclipse on August 21, 2017.

Where Will The Total Solar Eclipse Be Visible?

The upcoming eclipse on April 8 will feature a path of totality stretching 185 kilometres wide, traversing from Mexico through the United States and into Canada, affecting 18 US states in its course. As mentioned, India will miss out on the celestial event.

You Can Still Watch It Live

For those unable to witness this awe-inspiring event directly, NASA will offer a live broadcast, beginning on April 8 from 5:00 pm GMT to 8:00 pm GMT. This streaming service allows global audiences to partake in the experience virtually, ensuring that no one misses the opportunity to engage with this astronomical marvel.

Here's the Total Solar Eclipse live stream link: