Solar eclipse 2024 today: What is the celestial event and its different types?

Total solar eclipses occur infrequently and are only visible from specific locations on Earth.

Americans will witness a rare astronomical phenomenon on April 8 as a total solar eclipse takes over the skies. NASA will start its live stream of the eclipse on April 8 at 10:30 pm IST and continue the stream until 1:30 am IST.

During the broadcast, the space agency will share conversations with experts and offer telescope views of the eclipse from different sites along the eclipse path.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is a celestial event when the moon, in its orbit around the Earth, positions itself precisely between our planet and the sun, obscuring the sun's rays from reaching certain regions of the Earth's surface. This alignment results in a temporary dimming or complete blocking of sunlight.

The primary types of solar eclipses include total, partial, and annular eclipses, each distinguished by the alignment and positioning of the sun, moon, and Earth.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse obscures the sun's entire disk from view. This alignment creates a temporary shadow on the Earth's surface, plunging the surrounding area into darkness (known as the umbra) for a brief period. During a total solar eclipse, observers within the path of totality experience the eerie beauty of the sun's corona and the halo of plasma surrounding the sun.

Total solar eclipses occur infrequently and are only visible from specific locations on Earth during each event. During the phenomenon, observers may witness dramatic changes in the surrounding environment, including a drop in temperature, the appearance of stars and planets in the daytime sky, and the onset of twilight-like conditions.

Partial eclipse

In contrast, a partial solar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the sun is obscured by the moon's passage, resulting in a crescent-shaped shadow on the Earth's surface.

Annular eclipse

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from the Earth, causing it to appear smaller in the sky compared to the sun. As a result, during an annular eclipse, the moon fails to entirely cover the sun, leaving a ring of sunlight visible around the edges, known as the "ring of fire."

The occurrence of solar eclipses is not random but follows a predictable pattern dictated by the orbits of the Earth, moon, and sun. Astronomers utilise sophisticated tools and mathematical models to forecast when and where solar eclipses will transpire, allowing enthusiasts and researchers ample opportunity to observe and study these celestial phenomena.

Solar eclipses also offer unique insights into the dynamics of our solar system, including the precise measurements of the sun's diameter, the temperature of its outer atmosphere, and the study of the moon's orbital mechanics.

Solar eclipses also have cultural and historical significance with ancient civilizations often viewing eclipses as omens, while modern cultures celebrate these events with festivals, gatherings, and scientific expeditions.