The date for the highly anticipated Surya Grahan 2024 has been announced, with the first solar eclipse of the year set to take place on April 8. Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible in India, but spectators in North America, Mexico, and Western Europe will have the opportunity to witness this rare celestial event. The American space agency, NASA, will be live streaming the eclipse on YouTube, providing a unique and educational viewing experience for those unable to witness it in person. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Moon cover the Sun for a remarkable 7.5 minutes.
The first solar eclipse of 2024, known as Surya Grahan in Hindi, is scheduled to occur on April 8. This celestial event promises to be a mesmerizing sight for observers in certain parts of the world, while others can witness it virtually through live streaming.
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. This happens when the Moon's orbit intersects with the Earth's orbit around the Sun and is aligned in a straight line.
Depending on the alignment of the celestial bodies, solar eclipses can be total, partial, or annular. In a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, creating a brief period of darkness. In a partial eclipse, only part of the Sun is blocked. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is farther from the Earth and appears smaller, so that it creates a "ring of fire" around the edge of the Sun.
The Surya Grahan on April 8, 2024, will be a total solar eclipse, with the Moon completely covering the Sun for a duration of 7.5 minutes. The eclipse will be visible in a path across North America, Mexico, and Western Europe. Unfortunately, it will not be visible in India.
NASA will be live streaming the eclipse on its YouTube channel for those who are unable to witness it in person. This live broadcast will provide stunning views of the eclipse and expert commentary.
1. Why isn't the eclipse visible in India? The path of the Moon's shadow during the eclipse will not cross India, so it will not be visible there.
2. How often do solar eclipses occur? Solar eclipses happen relatively frequently, but a total solar eclipse visible from a specific location is a rare event.
3. Is it safe to look at a solar eclipse? It is never safe to look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Special solar eclipse glasses or a solar filter are essential to prevent eye damage.
4. What other countries will see the 2024 eclipse? In addition to North America, Mexico, and Western Europe, the eclipse will also be visible in parts of Iceland, Greenland, and Central and South America.
5. Can I see the eclipse if I'm outside the path of totality? Yes, you can still see a partial eclipse outside the path of totality. The amount of the Sun that is covered will vary depending on your location.
After the recent partial lunar eclipse, astronomy enthusiasts are in for another treat - a rare annular solar eclipse, also known as the "ring of fire" eclipse. This astronomical event will take place on October 2 as India commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. The eclipse will be visible over southern Chile and Argentina, with the Moon appearing smaller than the Sun and creating a distinctive "ring of fire" effect in the sky.
A new celestial event, a "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse, will be visible from South America and parts of Hawaii and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on October 2, 2024. This phenomenon occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, creating a ring-shaped silhouette of sunlight. Skywatchers are advised to use proper eye protection to view the eclipse safely.
Following the recent Total Solar Eclipse, ISRO and ESA are partnering to launch Proba-3 spacecraft, which will use precision formation flying to artificially create solar eclipses in space. This innovative mission will allow for closer study of the Sun's mysterious corona and provide valuable insights into space weather. With cutting-edge technologies and precise coordination, Proba-3 is set to launch via the PSLV from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Once in orbit, the spacecraft will autonomously perform formation flying, enabling six hours of observation per orbit and bridging the observational gap between the low and high corona.
Get all the latest science news, opinions, and analysis delivered straight to your inbox every weekday with Nature's daily newsletter. Stay up to date on the newest developments in various fields of science, from biology to technology, and never miss a beat with this essential round-up. Plus, with both online and print options, Nature's newsletter provides convenient access for all readers. Don't fall behind on the latest advancements in the scientific world – sign up for Nature's daily newsletter today.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures a stunning, high-resolution image of the spiral galaxy IC 1954, located 45 million light-years away. With the help of other telescopes, this image provides crucial information about the process of star formation and the evolution of galaxies. The data from different wavelengths reveals the active regions where stars are being born and provides a foundation for ongoing research into galactic evolution and the forces shaping the universe.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug, Cobenfy, for schizophrenia that is said to have fewer side effects than current medications. This has been a major development for patients like Tiffany who have struggled with severe side effects from traditional antipsychotic drugs. Tiffany shares her personal experience and how this new medication gives her hope for a better quality of life.
As Hurricane Helene bears down on the Gulf Coast, Upstate South Carolina braces for its potential impact. In the past, the Upstate has seen its fair share of hurricane-related damage, including from storms like Fred, Beryl, and Frances. These hurricanes caused various issues, such as tornadoes, flash flooding, and extensive rainfall, resulting in millions of dollars worth of damages. With Hurricane Helene's expected landfall, it's important to remember the potential effects of hurricanes on our local communities and the need for preparedness.
A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck the northeastern state of Assam, leaving residents in its capital city of Guwahati in a state of panic. Despite the strong tremors and shallow depth of 23 km, no casualties or property damage have been reported. This is the second earthquake to hit the Northeastern states today, with Nagaland and Mizoram experiencing mild tremors earlier. The high seismic activity in this region is due to its location in a seismically active zone, with 11% of the country falling in the most active zone, while Guwahati falls in the relatively less affected zone.
While Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine continues to develop, forecasters are warning residents along the northern and eastern Gulf Coast to start preparing for a possible hurricane. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the storm with the help of the Hurricane Hunters. Although it is too early for specific predictions, residents are advised to prepare for potential storm surge, heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service Tallahassee states that the next named storm, Helene, may arrive on Thursday or Friday. Spaghetti models and top-performing models are being used to make accurate forecasts.
A 38-year-old man in Kerala has been confirmed as the first case of Mpox clade 1 variant in India. This is a more virulent and deadlier strain of the virus, first reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization has declared Mpox a public health emergency for the second time, with 30 cases reported in India since the declaration. Experts warn about the potential for a disastrous epidemic in densely populated India and emphasize the importance of prevention measures, such as regularly washing hands and avoiding contact with infected individuals.