Excitement is mounting as stargazers eagerly anticipate a rare celestial event: the Total Solar Eclipse, slated to grace the skies today, April 8, just before the commencement of Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival. According to astrologers, eclipses hold significant auspiciousness.



Solar Eclipse 2024: Sutak Timing of Surya Grahan, and other details in 10 points


1) NASA's official website explains that a total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon positions itself between the Sun and Earth, completely obscuring the Sun's face. As a result, the sky darkens, creating an ambiance akin to dawn or dusk.


2) This time around, the spectacle of the solar eclipse won't be visible to observers in India. The prime viewing locations include the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other parts of North America.


3) Sky enthusiasts in the US are in for a treat as they can witness the total solar eclipse firsthand. The event is scheduled to commence at 9:12 pm today and will conclude at 2:22 am on April 9.


4) Since the solar eclipse won't be visible in India this year, there will be no sutak period observed.


5) It's crucial for stargazers to avoid looking directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, as it can be harmful. Specialized eye protection is recommended to safely observe this celestial phenomenon.


6) To ensure eye safety, individuals should equip telescopes, camera lenses, or binoculars with special-purpose solar filters before attempting to view any part of the Sun.


7) India's Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to track and document the Sun during the total solar eclipse on April 8 as part of its inaugural solar mission, Aditya L1.


8) NASA plans to broadcast the Total Solar Eclipse 2024 live on NASA+, NASA TV, and its official website.


9) The US space agency will stream the eclipse live through a telescope on NASA Television's media channel and YouTube, sans commentary. The three-hour streaming marathon will kick off at 1 pm.


10) This year's total solar eclipse promises to be a rare spectacle where the Moon will completely obscure the Sun, resulting in the mesmerizing appearance of a ring of fire.