NEW DELHI: A solar eclipse on April 8 will cast a shadow across certain parts of the world, offering spectators in the path of totality a rare glimpse of darkness during the day, accompanied by the stunning sight of the sun’s corona.
Those fortunate enough to witness this event will also have the opportunity to see a remarkable ‘planetary parade‘, akin to a celestial parade.
Seven planets – Uranus, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and Mars – will be visible near the sun during totality, presenting a rare spectacle where all major planets of the solar system are in view simultaneously.
Adding to the spectacle, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will also be visible, enhancing the cosmic display. Such gatherings of planets are colloquially referred to as planetary parades, making this event a celestial extravaganza for astronomers and skywatchers alike.
To witness the remarkable celestial phenomena associated with the upcoming solar eclipse, one must be situated within the narrow path of totality, spanning approximately 115 miles wide. This path traverses through northern Mexico, parts of 15 US states, and five Canadian provinces.
Only within this specific corridor will observers have the chance to experience totality, darkness during the day, the stunning corona of the sun, and the captivating presence of multiple planets and possibly a comet. Those outside this path, even if they observe a 99% partial eclipse, will only see a partial obscuration of the sun resembling a “smiley face” through eclipse glasses, missing out on the extraordinary celestial spectacle.
During the brief total phase of a total Solar Eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialised eye protection for Solar viewing.
Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose Solar filter secured over the front of the optics would instantly cause severe eye injury. Therefore, it is necessary to have necessary safety measures handy.
Those fortunate enough to witness this event will also have the opportunity to see a remarkable ‘planetary parade‘, akin to a celestial parade.
Seven planets – Uranus, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and Mars – will be visible near the sun during totality, presenting a rare spectacle where all major planets of the solar system are in view simultaneously.
Adding to the spectacle, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will also be visible, enhancing the cosmic display. Such gatherings of planets are colloquially referred to as planetary parades, making this event a celestial extravaganza for astronomers and skywatchers alike.
To witness the remarkable celestial phenomena associated with the upcoming solar eclipse, one must be situated within the narrow path of totality, spanning approximately 115 miles wide. This path traverses through northern Mexico, parts of 15 US states, and five Canadian provinces.
Only within this specific corridor will observers have the chance to experience totality, darkness during the day, the stunning corona of the sun, and the captivating presence of multiple planets and possibly a comet. Those outside this path, even if they observe a 99% partial eclipse, will only see a partial obscuration of the sun resembling a “smiley face” through eclipse glasses, missing out on the extraordinary celestial spectacle.
During the brief total phase of a total Solar Eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialised eye protection for Solar viewing.
Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose Solar filter secured over the front of the optics would instantly cause severe eye injury. Therefore, it is necessary to have necessary safety measures handy.