A once-in-a-lifetime celestial event, a total solar eclipse, is set to happen tonight. Although it will not be visible in India, you can watch it through the live stream. The eclipse will only be visible for around 4 minutes in parts of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon, Sun, and Earth perfectly align, which only happens a few times a year due to the tilt of the Moon's orbit. Don't miss this rare cosmic coincidence and catch the live updates below.
Solar Eclipse 2024: A Celestial Spectacle Not to Be Missed
On April 8, 2024, the skies will witness a celestial event that has captivated humans for centuries: a total solar eclipse. While this astronomical phenomenon will not be visible in India, sky enthusiasts worldwide will have the opportunity to experience its awe-inspiring beauty through live streams and indirect observation.
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the Sun's light from reaching our planet. During this rare event, the Moon's dark silhouette appears to cover the glowing disc of the Sun, creating a breathtaking spectacle known as the "diamond ring."
Event Details
The April 2024 total solar eclipse will begin its journey across North America, starting from Mexico and sweeping over the United States and into Canada. The total eclipse will be visible for a brief period of approximately 4 minutes along a narrow path known as the "path of totality." The exact timing and location of the path can be determined using interactive eclipse maps.
Importance and Scientific Significance
Total solar eclipses have played a pivotal role in astronomy throughout history. They offer scientists unique opportunities to study the Sun's corona, its extended atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the Sun's intense light. By observing the corona during an eclipse, astronomers can gain insights into its temperature, density, and magnetic activity.
Top 5 FAQs
Why is the eclipse not visible in India? The path of totality for the April 2024 eclipse does not pass through India.
How often do total solar eclipses occur? Total solar eclipses are relatively rare events. They occur only a few times per year, with the path of totality covering different areas of the Earth each time.
Can I watch the eclipse safely? Directly viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage. It is essential to use certified solar eclipse glasses or indirect observation methods, such as projecting the eclipse's image onto a surface.
What other celestial events are similar to a solar eclipse? Other celestial events that involve the alignment of celestial bodies include lunar eclipses, when the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, and transits, when a planet passes in front of a star.
What was the most recent total solar eclipse visible in India? The last total solar eclipse visible in India was on July 22, 2009. The next total solar eclipse predicted to occur in India is on February 8, 2031.
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.