Total Solar Eclipse 2024: How Does It Differ From The 2017 Event?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align in a row, with the Moon between the Sun and Earth casting a shadow on Earth. The first solar eclipse of this year, on April 8, will be a "total solar eclipse," passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. However, it will not be visible from India, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Solar eclipses can be total, annular, or partial, depending on the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

What is a 'Total Solar Eclipse'?

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the Sun's face. Observers positioned at the center of the Moon's shadow witness a total eclipse as it reaches Earth. The sky darkens, resembling dawn or dusk.

If the weather permits, those in the path of totality can witness the Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere, which is typically hidden by the Sun's brightness.

During a total solar eclipse, NASA advises viewers to briefly remove their eclipse glasses (distinct from regular sunglasses) only when the Moon fully covers the Sun.

Total Solar Eclipse 2024 vs. 2017: How They Differ and Why It Matters?

NASA has mentioned that in April, the total eclipse will last longer than it did in 2017, during which the longest totality period was near Carbondale, Illinois, at 2 minutes and 42 seconds. This time, totality will extend up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

During any total solar eclipse, the longest totality occurs near the center of the path and decreases toward the edge.

The path where viewers can see the Moon fully block the Sun, revealing its outer atmosphere, called the corona, is wider during the upcoming total solar eclipse compared to the 2017 eclipse.

As the Moon travels around Earth, its distance changes. In 2017, it was slightly farther from Earth than it will be during the upcoming eclipse, resulting in a narrower path. In 2017, the path was 62 to 71 miles wide, while in April, it will range from 108 to 122 miles wide over North America. This indicates that the upcoming eclipse covers more area at any given time.