North America was treated to a celestial spectacle on April 8, 2024, as a total solar eclipse graced the skies.
Millions of skywatchers across the continent eagerly awaited the rare event, which captivated audiences with its breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring display.
The eclipse, which began in the early morning hours, traversed a path from Mexico through the United States and into Canada. As the moon passed between the Earth and the sun, it cast a shadow over the landscape, plunging areas into darkness and revealing the sun’s ethereal corona.
In parts of Mexico, the eclipse reached totality, with the moon completely blocking the sun for a few moments.
As the eclipse made its way northward, it passed through several states in the United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont, and Maine. Crowds, estimated to number in the millions, gathered to witness the event. A of the highlight of the eclipse was its visibility in major cities such as Dallas and Indianapolis.
In Canada, the eclipse was visible in parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Although totality was not reached in these areas, spectators were still treated to a partial eclipse, with the moon partially obscuring the sun’s disk.
Researchers deployed a variety of instruments and sensors to capture data during the event, hoping to gain new insights into the sun’s behaviour and its impact on space weather.
