There are only six weeks left until the sun’s face is completely tucked behind the moon for a rare total solar eclipse, that will be witnessed on April 8, 2024. Millions will have the chance to see the moon completely block out the sun, revealing our star’s ghostly atmosphere.
It’s a thrilling event – if you are able to see it. However, it will not be visible in Kenya. It will pass over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico but here’s what you need to know.
The celestial event will take place on April 8, 2024, and totality will last in some places up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Most spots along the path of totality, which include 13 U.S. states, will see skies grow to complete darkness as the moon blocks the sun’s light.
What does ‘path of totality’ mean?
The path of totality illustrates the stretch of land in which the moon’s shadow will travel through, resulting in a total solar eclipse.
What is ‘totality’ during an eclipse?
Totality is the stage of a solar eclipse in which the moon completely blocks the sun. This time around, it will last twice as long as it did during the 2017 total solar eclipse.
According to Mashable, this year’s solar eclipse, the path of totality is 185 kilometers wide and stretches from Mexico all the way to Newfoundland. Roughly 44 million people live inside the path, and about 32 million of them are in the U.S.
Those in the path will witness the moon completely cover the sun. It will darken the skies as if it were dawn or dusk, according to NASA.
Totality is the only stage of an eclipse that can be viewed with the naked eye. So if you are not in the path of totality, you must be wearing eclipse glasses at all times.
Will I be able to see the eclipse if I am not in the path of totality?
The further from the path of totality, the smaller the moon’s bite will be out of the sun.
Don’t fret if you don’t have front-row seats. Practically everyone on the continent can catch at least a partial eclipse. One third of the sun will be swallowed in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, according to Mashable.
While the sun will not be completely covered by the moon, a partial solar eclipse will still slightly darken skies and put on a celestial spectacle.
When will be the next solar eclipse visible in Kenya?
August 2, 2027. And it will be a partial solar eclipse.
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