Solar Eclipse And Lunar Eclipse In 2024: Know All Details.
Skywatchers have several treats this year! In 2024, you will witness a Total Solar Eclipse in April, while March will have a Lunar Eclipse. But do you know, an Eclipse never comes alone! A solar eclipse occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse because of the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other.
During a Solar Eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow on Earth, blocking or partially blocking the Sun’s light. This happens when the Moon is in its new moon phase. On the other hand, during a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon, giving it a reddish hue. This occurs when the Moon is in its full moon phase.
If you are eager to know about the Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse of 2024, then here is a detailed guide on when, where and how to watch them.
Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Date, Time, Where, And How To Watch
The event is called a Total Solar Eclipse because, during the phenomenon, the Moon completely obscures the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. This results in a temporary total blockage of the Sun’s light.
Date and Time Of Solar Eclipse: Mark your calendars for the Total Solar Eclipse 2024 on April 8th. As per the EarthSky.com report, the total eclipse is scheduled to commence at 16:38 UTC (12:38 p.m. EDT) on April 8th. Its peak, known as the greatest eclipse, will occur at 18:17 UTC (2:17 p.m. EDT), with the total eclipse concluding at 19:55 UTC (3:55 p.m. EDT) on April 8th.
Where to watch Solar Eclipse: Sadly, the Total Solar Eclipse won’t be visible worldwide. According to NASA, it will traverse from Mexico, entering the United States through Texas, and journeying across states such as Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
How To Watch Solar Eclipse: While the eclipse is a spectacle, viewing directly can be harmful. During the brief total phase, you can observe without eye protection, but otherwise, use solar viewing glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Indirect methods like pinhole projectors are also safe alternatives.
Lunar Eclipse 2024: Date, Time, Where, And How To Watch
Interestingly, Lunar Eclipse 2024 will coincide with the Holi in India on March 25th. But will it be visible in India? Sadly not! As per the reports, the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse will be visible in selective counties and in parts of Ireland, Belgium, Spain, England, Russia, Germany, the United States, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland, South Norway, and France.
But is it known as the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse? During a penumbral lunar eclipse, the Moon traverses the penumbra, the outer region of Earth’s shadow, where the Sun’s light is partially obscured. While passing through this lighter shadow, the Moon remains visible to observers, though it appears subtly dimmed or tinted. This celestial event allows skywatchers to comfortably witness the Moon’s transition through the Earth’s shadow without the need for special equipment or precautions.
As per the Time and Date report, the Penumbral Eclipse will begin at 4:53 UTC on March 25th and will end at 9:32 UTC. It will be at its maximum at 7:12 UTC (3:00 PM IST). As the Moon is below the horizon during this eclipse, it will not be visible in India.
How To Watch the Lunar Eclipse? NASA advises that unlike solar eclipses, which require special precautions due to the Sun’s intense brightness, lunar eclipses can be safely observed with the naked eye. However, for an enhanced viewing experience, binoculars or a telescope can provide a closer and more detailed look at the celestial phenomenon.
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
