Solar Eclipse 2024: When and where can Hoosiers witness the event? What precautions to take?
A rare total solar eclipse that will cross North America in a narrow band may be visible in 2024 to certain Hoosiers. NASA says that Hoosiers will get a maximum of 4 minutes to witness the event though it may vary in some places.
The next total solar eclipse that can be observed from the contiguous United States won't take place until August 2044, according to astronomers. A total solar eclipse last occurred over Indianapolis more than 800 years ago, in 1205, when Genghis Khan was establishing his dominance in China.
READ MORE:
NASA warns of massive 'potentially hazardous' asteroid barreling towards Earth THIS FRIDAY!
When is the total solar eclipse in 2024?
A total solar eclipse will span North America on April 8, 2024, crossing through Mexico, the US, and Canada. There is a total solar eclipse when the Moon totally obscures the Sun's face as it moves in front of Earth. As if it were dawn or sunset, the sky will grow darker, NASA's report states.
NASA has also tweeted sharing an image of the map and questioning if you will get to see the eclipse, "Where will you be during the eclipses in 2023 and 2024? This map shows the path of the Moon’s shadow as it crosses the contiguous U.S. during the eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023 and total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Will you get a chance to see them?"
Where will you be during the eclipses in 2023 and 2024?
— NASA (@NASA) March 21, 2023
This map shows the path of the Moon’s shadow as it crosses the contiguous U.S. during the eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023 and total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Will you get a chance to see them? https://t.co/mC7CagW0AR pic.twitter.com/wBA08oZ7k6
NASA also stated that the next total solar eclipse will be visible from the contiguous United States on August 23, 2044. Hoosiers will be able to watch the total solar eclipse of 2024 at different time at different places, stated Eclipse2024.org. The organization has also shared a table to help in planning eclipse day viewing activities.
How to witness the event with precautions?
Scientists at NASA advise people watching an eclipse take the following precautions:
1. Always wear eclipse glasses while watching the eclipse. Discard the glasses if they are damaged or have scratches.
2. Do not leave your child alone while they use solar viewers.
3. Whenever wearing eclipse glasses, AVOID using binoculars, a telescope, or any other instrument to see the Sun. The filter will be burned through by the intense solar rays, which could seriously harm the eyes.
4. You won't be able to directly observe the eclipse without using eye protection until the Moon completely blocks the Sun's light. Once you even catch a glimpse of the sun, put your eclipse glasses back on.