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Saturday April 27, 2024

Why April 8 total solar eclipse will be greatest one ever?

"Devil comet" may also be visible during totality hours, in addition to planet Jupiter

By Web Desk
March 29, 2024
The total solar eclipse will be the most watched solar eclipse ever. — Canadian Space Agency/File
The total solar eclipse will be the most watched solar eclipse ever. — Canadian Space Agency/File

In a rare celestial event, North Americans will get to witness totality on Monday, April 8 as darkness will prevail during the day, providing spectators a chance to see the sun's corona with the naked eye, Space reported.

It will be the first total solar eclipse of 2024 and the second one after the March 25 lunar eclipse.

Also known as the Great North American solar eclipse, it is estimated to be the most watched total solar eclipse ever as totality will be visible in 15 states of the United States (US) amounting to a population of 31 million, as well as Canada and Mexico.

In addition, it will be the most urban solar eclipse ever, as it will mostly be seen from cities.

The April 8 solar eclipse will be the longest US total solar eclipse, and also the darkest. A long totality means a longer period of darkness.

The last time a totality of this length in North America occurred was in 1806. It is going to be Ohio's first solar eclipse since 1806.

It is also predicted that a comet, knows as the "Devil comet," may be visible during totality hours as it will only be 25 degrees away from the Sun, in addition to planet Jupiter which will be visible to the naked eye.