Unveiling the Celestial Spectacle: Experience the Spectacular Solar Eclipse of April 2024

Get ready for another impressive eclipse as CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter brings you the latest news on remarkable discoveries, scientific progress, and beyond. If you happened to miss the recent annular eclipse, which dazzled with the captivating "ring of fire" effect across the Americas, fret not! Rest assured, another eclipse is approaching, promising a captivating spectacle of its own.

Sky-gazers across North America are in for a treat in 2024 when a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States and Canada.

A total solar eclipse last occurred over the US on August 21, 2017.

Aubrey Gemignani/NASA

The eagerly awaited celestial phenomenon is set to take place on April 8, but enthusiasts of eclipses are already reserving hotels along the path of totality. Experts advise making arrangements ahead of time to avoid missing out.

This is likely due to the fact that a complete solar eclipse will not be visible throughout the contiguous US until August 2044. (It has been approximately six years since the "Great American Eclipse" in 2017.) Additionally, an annular eclipse will not be observed in this region until 2046.

Heres everything you need to know about the upcoming eclipse.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between Earth and the sun, resulting in the complete obscuration of the sun's visible surface.

Observers within the path of totality, where the moon's shadow completely covers the sun, will witness a total solar eclipse. Those outside the path of totality will still experience a partial solar eclipse, where the moon only partially obstructs the sun's face.

The sky will darken during a total solar eclipse, creating a dawn or dusk-like atmosphere. Throughout the eclipse, there are various stages that sky-gazers can look forward to.

Instead of abruptly appearing between Earth and the sun, the moon's presence is first marked by a partial eclipse. This partial eclipse gives the impression of the moon taking a "bite" out of the sun, resulting in a crescent-shaped sun. The duration of the partial eclipse can vary between 70 and 80 minutes, depending on your location, as stated by NASA.

When the moon starts to move across the sun, the rays of the stars will create luminous droplets of light around the moon's horizon, producing a fascinating occurrence known as Bailys beads.

The Baily's Beads effect is seen as the moon moved across the sun during the total solar eclipse over Oregon in 2017.

Aubrey Gemignani/NASA

As the moment of totality approaches, Bailys beads will gradually fade away, leaving behind only a solitary beam of light that resembles a magnificent, sparkling diamond ring.

Once totality takes hold, the diamond ring effect will vanish, and all traces of direct sunlight will be absent. In the darkened sky, radiant stars or planets may come into view, and the ambient temperature will noticeably decline as the sun's presence fades away. This sudden plunge into darkness induces a profound hush among the surrounding animals.

During totality, a thin pink circle may radiate from the moon, indicating the glow of the chromosphere, a section of the sun's atmosphere. Simultaneously, the corona, the sun's scorching outer atmosphere, will manifest as white light. As the moon progresses across the sun, the diamond ring, Bailys beads, and a partial solar eclipse will emerge on the opposite side until the sun entirely resurfaces.

Where can I witness the eclipse?

The total solar eclipse will be observable in select locations of Mexico, Canada, and over 10 US states. In 49 states, weather permitting, a crescent-shaped partial solar eclipse is anticipated.

The South Pacific Ocean will witness the initial emergence of the eclipse as it commences its trajectory across North America. As the eclipse progresses, it will reach the Pacific coast of Mexico, marking the first occurrence of totality on its path. This event is anticipated to take place at 11:07 a.m. PT (8:07 a.m. ET).

A map shows the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse in purple. The path of the annular eclipse can be seen in yellow.

Scientific Visualization Studio//NASA

To view the eclipse safely, follow these guidelines.

According to NASA, it is only safe to view the sun without eye protection during the "totality" of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun's light. For the rest of the time, including before and after totality, and during a partial eclipse, it is important to wear certified ISO 12312-2 compliant eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer. Alternatively, you can observe the sun using a telescope, binoculars, or camera with a special solar filter on the front, which provides the same level of protection as eclipse glasses.

Directly gazing at the sun can lead to blindness or impaired vision. In the case of the 2017 total solar eclipse, a young woman was diagnosed with solar retinopathy. Both of her eyes suffered retinal damage from exposure to solar radiation, as she had used eclipse glasses that did not meet safety standards. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for solar retinopathy. Although the condition may either improve or worsen over time, it is a permanent affliction.

Eclipse glasses are needed to safely view solar eclipses.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

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Sunglasses cannot be used as a substitute for eclipse glasses or solar viewers, as they are significantly less effective and do not meet the international safety standard. Eclipse glasses have lenses made of black polymer or resin infused with carbon particles, which successfully block almost all visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light. In contrast, sunglasses do not provide adequate protection against infrared radiation.

For a reliable selection of eclipse glasses and filters for optical devices such as cameras and smartphones, refer to the comprehensive list compiled by the American Astronomical Society.

Prior to looking up at the eclipse, ensure you have your eclipse glasses on and remember to avert your gaze from the sun before taking them off. It is essential to closely supervise any children wearing eclipse glasses to prevent them from removing them while observing the sun.

According to the American Astronomical Society, if you usually wear eyeglasses, you should keep them on and place eclipse glasses over them or hold a handheld viewer in front of them.

NASA advises against looking at the sun through any unfiltered optical device such as a camera lens, telescope, or binoculars while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer.

Solar rays are capable of burning through the filter on glasses or a viewer due to their high concentration through an optical device. This can result in severe eye damage. If you have purchased eclipse glasses to witness the "ring of fire," it is recommended to store them in their original packaging or in an envelope at room temperature to prevent any scratches. Keep these glasses and viewers for the upcoming total solar eclipse in April.