SPACE — North America is preparing to welcome a total solar eclipse of unprecedented scale. On April 8 this year, millions of people in northern Mexico, the United States and southeastern Canada will experience a total solar eclipse.
During a total solar eclipse, there will be darkness during the day and the opportunity to see the sun’s corona with the naked eye. There are many unique things about the total solar eclipse on April 8.
The following are 6 special features of the total solar eclipse on April 8 2024 which will occur in a month:
Longest Duration of Totality in the US Since 1806
Experience the totality of this solar eclipse from Mexico, possibly providing totality for 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Although it will decrease as the moon’s dark shadow moves from southwest to northeast, on the US-Mexico border there will probably be a totality of 4 minutes and 26 seconds of eclipse.
The last time a totality of this length occurred in North America was on June 16, 1806. The event is also known as Tecumseh’s Eclipse.
The Darkest Totality in the US in 217 Years
Long totality also means darker totality. On April 8, totality will probably be the darkest in 217 years, allowing visibility of Venus and even Jupiter.
Possible Comet Sighting
Although the chances are slim, a comet may be visible during totality on April 8. The comet, known as the “Devil’s Comet”, will be about 25 degrees from the sun, close to Jupiter.
Occurs at the Peak of Solar Activity
During totality, the solar corona will appear larger and more symmetrical. This is because the sun’s magnetic activity is approaching its peak.
The last time a total solar eclipse visible from North America coincided with peak solar activity was February 26, 1979.
Largest Viewers in the History of a Total Solar Eclipse in North America
This eclipse will likely be witnessed by 40 million people in the eclipse path. About 31 million people in the US live within the path of totality, and the remaining 9 million people from northern Mexico and Canada. This number is much higher than the total in 2017 which reached around 12 million viewers.
Eclipse Path Passes Through Major Cities
About a quarter of all total solar eclipse spectators will be from the city. Major cities in the path of totality include Mazatlán, Torreón, Dallas-ForthWorth-Arlington, Austin, and others. Around 10 million people are expected to witness the total solar eclipse in these cities.
2024-03-08 02:49:00
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