Sky-gazers across North America are gearing up for a spectacular celestial event on April 8, as a total solar eclipse is set to grace the skies over Mexico, the United States, and Canada
This rare occurrence, where the moon’s shadow completely obscures the sun, will captivate millions, with an estimated 32 million people in the US alone residing along the eclipse’s path of totality.
During the event, which will last approximately 3½ to 4 minutes for those at the center line of the path, the moon will seemingly engulf the sun. NASA projects that the eclipse will be visible across a swath of territory from Mexico’s Pacific Coast, through the United States, and into Canada, marking a significant astronomical event for the continent.
This event holds particular significance, as the next total solar eclipse visible across the contiguous United States is not expected until August 2044, with an annular eclipse slated for 2046. Thus, this April 8 event presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to witness a celestial phenomenon that won’t repeat for decades.
The eclipse’s trajectory will take it across a diverse range of landscapes, spanning from Texas to Maine in the United States, and onward to several Canadian provinces, including southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, before culminating at the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland.
As excitement builds, millions are preparing to witness this extraordinary event, marking their calendars for a momentous occasion in the astronomical calendar.
By Fiagbe Zenas
Sources : CNN, CBS News
