Get ready for a stunning display in the sky as the rare 2024 total solar eclipse takes place today, spanning across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. This unique event is a must-see, with the moon completely blocking the sun for a longer period of time than previous eclipses. Don't miss out on this spectacular spectacle, as the next total solar eclipse won't take place until 2026.
On April 8, 2024, a rare and awe-inspiring total solar eclipse will grace the skies across North America. This celestial event will be visible from Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with the moon completely blocking the sun for an extended period.
Background
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon's apparent size is equal to or greater than that of the sun, completely covering it. This creates a brief period of darkness during the day.
Total solar eclipses are relatively rare, with only a few occurring each year. The last total solar eclipse visible from North America occurred in 2017, and the next one will not take place until 2026.
Path of the Eclipse
The 2024 total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico, near Mazatlan. It will then travel northeastward across the United States, passing through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The eclipse will then continue into Canada, crossing New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.
Viewing the Eclipse
To safely view the total solar eclipse, it is essential to wear special eclipse glasses or solar filters. These devices will block harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, preventing damage to your eyes.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When and where can I see the eclipse?
The 2024 total solar eclipse will be visible from Mexico, the United States, and Canada on April 8, 2024. The path of the eclipse will begin in Mazatlan, Mexico, and end in Newfoundland, Canada.
2. How long will the eclipse last?
The total phase of the eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun, will last for up to 3 minutes and 50 seconds. However, the entire eclipse, including the partial phases before and after the total phase, will last for several hours.
3. What is the difference between a total solar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse?
In a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun. In a partial solar eclipse, only a portion of the sun is blocked by the moon.
4. Is it safe to look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse?
No, it is not safe to look directly at the sun during any type of solar eclipse, even during the total phase when the moon is completely blocking the sun. The harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun can still damage your eyes.
5. What should I do if I can't see the eclipse from my location?
If you are unable to see the total solar eclipse from your location, there are several ways to experience the event. NASA will be streaming the eclipse live on their website, and there will be numerous documentaries and special broadcasts about the eclipse available on television and online.
The state of Gujarat has taken precautionary measures to handle cases of HMPV, a respiratory virus, after one case was detected in a two-month-old boy two weeks ago. Three civil hospitals in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot have created isolation wards with a total of 45 beds to handle any potential health emergency. The health department has also issued an advisory to the public to prevent the spread of the virus. However, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, there has been no alarming surge in respiratory illnesses in the country.
The recent detection of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India has sparked fears of a potential new outbreak similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, medical authorities assure the public that HMPV has been circulating globally for years and is not a new virus. While three cases have been reported in India, there is no need to press the panic button as there has been no unusual surge in respiratory illness cases in the country. Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stresses that this is not the first case of HMPV in India and it is not something new.
As China experiences an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, health officials in Telangana, India have issued a list of precautions for the public, despite no reported cases in the state. The respiratory virus, which primarily affects children, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly, can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including mild cold-like illness and more serious respiratory conditions. However, the Indian health agency has assured that there is no cause for alarm and that the country does not need to worry at this time.
Renowned nuclear scientist and key figure in India's nuclear program, Dr. R Chidambaram, passed away at the age of 88. He was known for his contributions to nuclear research and played a significant role in India's nuclear tests and the country's civil nuclear agreement with the United States. His passing marks a significant loss for the scientific community and the country's progress in the field of nuclear technology.
The recent spread of a new virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China has sparked global concerns, with reports of increasing cases among children under 14. However, Indian health experts and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have dismissed the possibility of a widespread disruption. This is due to previous knowledge about HMPV and its similarity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory pathogen. While HMPV may be a trigger for asthma in infants, it is not as deadly as Covid-19 and there is no reason for alarm yet.
China's disease control authorities have launched pilot systems to monitor and report cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been linked to a recent flu outbreak. As the country continues to battle this respiratory virus, the World Health Organization calls for transparency and cooperation in researching the origins of COVID-19 to better prevent and prepare for future epidemics. Experts warn that people with weak respiratory health and weakened immune systems, as well as young children and the elderly, are most at risk for HMPV and urge preventive measures such as frequent hand washing and wearing masks.
Amidst growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, China confirms an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) among children under 14 years old, especially in northern provinces. HMPV is a respiratory illness similar to the common cold, with symptoms including coughing, runny nose, and sore throat. Health officials are urging the public not to blindly use antiviral drugs to fight HMPV, as there is currently no vaccine against the virus. Antibiotics may be prescribed in extreme cases where HMPV has caused pneumonia and a secondary bacterial infection.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced draft guidelines for introducing skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education institutions, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. These courses, including emerging fields such as data analytics and AI, aim to enhance students' employability and support economic growth through a qualified workforce. Feedback on the guidelines will be accepted for the next 30 days, giving students and educators a chance to provide their input.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed two satellites, weighing 220kg, into a circular orbit of 475 km for a crucial space docking technology demonstration. This mission also included the launch of POEM-4 with 24 payloads from startups, industries, and academia. Scientist S Somanath stated that the docking process is expected to take place on January 7, after operations at ISTRAC Bengaluru from December 31. This mission is a major step towards future space missions for India.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV C60 mission on Monday night, marking a historic moment for the country's space exploration. The mission involved the launch of two spacecraft, which will demonstrate India's capabilities in orbital docking- a crucial technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions. With this achievement, India joins an elite group of countries with this technology, furthering the country's ambitions to send humans to the Moon and establish its own space station.