On April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur, which will be observed in the United States, Canada and Mexico. This is a spectacular event when the Moon completely covers the Sun for a few minutes, casting a shadow over the specified territories. Now tourists from all over the world come to North America to witness this astronomical phenomenon. Moreover, they are preparing to observe a solar eclipse even in space.
Astronauts Jeanette Epps and Tracy Dyson are going to observe the eclipse from the International Space Station (ISS), located at an altitude of about 400 km above the surface of the planet. On April 8, they will have as many as three opportunities to see how the shadow of the moon will fall on Earth. The first opportunity will appear over the Pacific Ocean, and then the ISS will meet a shadow during a flyby over New Zealand, California and Idaho. The solar eclipse will provide scientists with a unique opportunity to study the Sun and the reaction of the Earth’s atmosphere during this phenomenon.
The duration of the eclipse will vary in different regions. The longest period of the eclipse – 4 minutes 28 seconds – will be in Mexico near the city of Torreon. In the USA, the peak of the eclipse will last from 3.5 to 4 minutes.
It is important for eyewitnesses who will observe the eclipse to use special protective glasses, as fakes are very dangerous for eyesight. But most of the inhabitants of the Earth will not be able to see this event live. However, online broadcasts will help remote observation of the solar eclipse.
Earlier, we reported on how the appearance of the “Devil Comet” coincided with the solar eclipse on April 8.
According to digitaltrends.com
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