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.
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams addresses concerns about her health and weight after spending months on the International Space Station (ISS). In an interview with the New England Sports Network (NESN), she discussed her physical condition and cleared up rumors about drastic weight loss. She also shared insights on the effects of microgravity on the body and the importance of exercise for maintaining bone density in space.
After four astronauts, including NASA's Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, and Jeanette Epps, were rushed to the hospital upon their return from the ISS, there have been growing concerns about the physical toll spaceflight takes on astronauts. With the recent spotlight on NASA's Sunita Williams and concerns over her health, the agency has stepped in to assure the public that all astronauts are in good health and spirits. However, with investigations into the reason for the hospitalisation still ongoing, the incident serves as a reminder that spaceflight is still a largely unknown territory.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, currently on an extended mission on the International Space Station, have reported weight loss. This is due to fluid shifts in space causing changes in the body. Despite concerns about their health, NASA has assured the public that the astronauts are closely monitored and in good health. The agency has also warned against sharing any leaked details about the astronauts' health. This comes after a recent incident with the SpaceX Crew-8 mission, raising questions about the effects of extended space travel, but NASA maintains that Williams and Wilmore are doing well.
Learn about the chronic disease that plagues millions of Indians and its underlying causes. Diabetes is a condition that affects the body's production and use of insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Find out the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and how it can lead to serious health complications.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's speech at the 83rd foundation day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research highlights the importance of research and development in advancing science. He emphasizes the need to find answers to unanswered questions and the potential for growth and innovation in this field. This contribution will help in scaling up the work of IIT Madras and promoting scientific advancement globally.
Cardiology experts at the Global Cardiology Summit in New Delhi predict that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the treatment of heart diseases in India. With the ability to analyze large amounts of data, AI can aid in early detection, personalize treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. Experts also noted that AI can benefit the healthcare sector in India, particularly in rural areas, where access to advanced care is limited. The two-day summit brought together world-class cardiologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advancements in cardiology and the role of AI in cardiac diagnostics and patient management.
Four NASA crew members from the recent Crew-8 mission held a press conference addressing their brief hospitalization upon returning from the ISS. Although the astronauts stated they were in good health, NASA has not disclosed details of the incident. The extended mission was due to delays caused by technical issues with the new Starliner spacecraft, but the astronauts reflect positively on the experience of spending extra time in space.
Every year on November 10, World Science Day for Peace and Development commemorates the vital role of science in our society. This day, proclaimed by UNESCO in 2001, aims to raise awareness about the importance of scientific knowledge in everyday life and its role in sustainable development. This year's theme, 'Why Science Matters - Engaging Minds and Empowering Future,' highlights the significant contributions of scientists towards shaping a better future for our planet. Through collaborations and educational efforts, World Science Day for Peace and Development continues to inspire global engagement with science for the betterment of society.
An unnamed NASA astronaut was flown to a hospital on Friday after returning to Earth from a record-breaking 235-day stay on the International Space Station. The crew of four, which included US astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, as well as Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, splashed down off the coast of Florida early Friday morning, marking the longest stay in orbit for SpaceX's reusable Crew Dragon spacecraft. The crew's return was delayed due to hurricanes in the expected splashdown zones, and the cause of the astronaut's medical issue remains undisclosed.
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague, Butch Wilmore, have been stranded at the International Space Station for over five months after Boeing's faulty Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned. Newly released images of Williams show a drastic weight loss and sunken cheeks due to the prolonged stay in space. NASA employees have expressed concern for her health and are working on stabilizing her weight loss. Astronauts have to eat twice as many calories as regular people while following a special food packaging methods and exercising for two hours daily to maintain their health in space.