Solar Eclipse: Did You Know India Will Witness Next Surya Grahan After 7 Years?

Spectators around the world are gearing up for the awe-inspiring sight of a Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, which will darken the daytime sun. This eclipse marks the first of 2024, following the Lunar Eclipse on March 25.

NASA notes that the totality phase of this eclipse will be longer than in 2017, as the moon is currently closer to the sun. During totality, the moon completely obscures the sun, providing viewers with a rare glimpse of the moon's shadow projected on Earth's atmosphere.

Dr. John Mulchaey from the Carnegie Institution for Science describes a total eclipse as an indescribable experience that has deeply impacted humans for millennia, calling it one of the most beautiful things most people will ever see.

Will the April 8 Solar Eclipse Be Visible in India?

No, the first solar eclipse of 2024 will not be visible in India. The celestial event will only be visible in parts of North America, crossing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

NASA indicates that this will be the last Total Solar Eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044, starting over the South Pacific Ocean.

Around 32 million people in the US along the 115-mile-wide path of totality will have the opportunity to witness this celestial spectacle in its full glory.

So, when will solar eclipse be visible in India?

While Indians will miss out on the April 8 eclipse, they can look forward to a solar eclipse in 2031. The 2031 Annular Solar Eclipse will reach its maximum coverage, obscuring approximately 28.87 percent of the Sun.

The Annular Solar Eclipse on May 21, 2031, will create a "ring of fire" and be visible in cities like Kochi, Alappuzha, Madurai, and Vedaranyam in India.

During a Solar Eclipse, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun, as it can cause damage to the eyes. To view the astronomical event safely, it is advisable to wear specialized eye protection for solar viewing.