Understanding total solar eclipse: path and viewing locations

ISLAMABAD: As the world braces for the total solar eclipse on April 8, it is important to understand what this phenomenon entails and where it can be observed.

During a solar eclipse, the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light completely. This alignment causes the moon’s shadow to fall on Earth, creating the impression of daytime turning into night for observers within the eclipse’s path.

The sky darkens, stars become visible, and temperatures drop as the moon’s shadow moves across the Earth’s surface.

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During a total solar eclipse, the sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, becomes visible as a glowing halo around the dark silhouette of the moon. This sight is often referred to as a “ring of fire” because the moon completely covers the sun’s bright surface, revealing its fainter outer layers.

The April 8 eclipse is expected to be the longest of the year, as noted by scientists.

During the eclipse, observers can witness different stages, including the partial eclipse phase when the sun appears as a crescent shape.

Ensuring eye safety is extremely important while observing the eclipse, as direct exposure to the sun can cause severe eye damage. Observers can use specialised eye protection like solar-viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers with solar filters. Indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors also offer a safer alternative for observing the eclipse.

While the eclipse will not be visible from Pakistan, it will be observable in North America.

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The eclipse’s path will originate in Mexico, traverse through the United States, and culminate in Canada.

This offers a unique chance for observers in these regions to experience the rare celestial phenomenon.

The previous total solar eclipse took place 50 years ago.