During pre-historic times, the sudden disappearance of the sun sparked fears of divine anger among the masses. But today, as we understand these complex astronomical processes better, witnessing them feels magical as the mundane dance of celestial bodies transforms into a breathtaking display of cosmic grandeur.
While all eclipses are magical in their own right, the upcoming
The awe-inspiring spectacle of a solar eclipse occurs when our lunar neighbour passes between our world and the sun, effectively blocking the sunlight and casting a shadow on Earth. The upcoming eclipse, however, will include a unique twist to this rare celestial alignment.
A mere day preceding the eclipse, the moon will draw remarkably close to Earth, hovering just 360,000 kilometres away. This nearness will result in the moon looming slightly larger in the sky than its customary appearance.
Consequently, as the eclipse unfolds, the moon's enlarged shadow will traverse over spectators at a leisurely pace, resulting in an extended period of complete darkness as it entirely obscures the sun — a phase referred to as totality.
This prolonged spell of totality will endure for an astonishing 7.5 minutes — a phenomenon of remarkable rarity!
The last time such an elongated totality graced the skies was back in 1973, casting its shadow across the African continent. And such an occurrence will not grace our skies again for another 126 years, not until the year 2150, when the moon will again cover the sun for several minutes over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
However, it’s important to note that the duration and visibility of totality will vary depending on the geographic location of the observer and the path of the eclipse.
Another intriguing facet of this eclipse is its correlation with the sun's 11-year solar cycle, characterised by fluctuations in its magnetic activity.
Experts anticipate that 2024 will coincide with the solar maximum, during which the most number of sunspots will be visible dotting the sun's surface. Therefore, during totality, a more pronounced and impactful corona is expected due to heightened solar activity.
Furthermore, the upcoming eclipse could be accompanied by the possibility of witnessing prominences — delicate pink curls or loops adorning the sun's surface — created by plasma and swirls of super-hot gas common during the heightened magnetic activity amid a solar maximum.
This celestial spectacle is set to captivate a vast audience, as the path of totality winds its way from Mexico through the United States and into Canada, encompassing densely populated regions. Nearly 32 million people will have the opportunity to behold the majestic sun's corona.
Regrettably, this celestial marvel will remain beyond the purview of observers in India, compelling us to partake in the spectacle through virtual live streams from the other side of the planet.