A rare total eclipse began Monday April 8 on the west coast of Mexico, NASA announced, launching the start of a celestial event awaited by millions of people, and whose path must also cross the United States before 'complete in Canada.
Multiple gatherings are organized in these three countries to admire the Moon covering the Sun, lasting a few minutes maximum depending on the location of observation. In total, the Moon's shadow will travel its path over America in about an hour and a half.
The start of the solar eclipse, as seen from Fort Worth, Texas, on April 8, 2024. © LM Otero, AP
In the United States, more than 30 million people live in the area where the total eclipse will be visible for a few minutes at most, according to NASA. The event began at 18:07 GMT on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
The trajectory will then cross 15 American states – from Texas to Maine – before ending its course in eastern Canada. In total, the Moon's shadow should move over America in about an hour and a half.
The moon continues to eclipse the sun on April 8, 2024, in this photo taken from Fort Worth, Texas. © Ron Jenkins, Getty Images via AFP
The event represents an economic opportunity for many regions receiving an influx of tourists, but also for scientists studying our star.
“A total eclipse is one of the most emotional events one can experience,” wrote NASA astronomer Jane Rigby. "Be present. Forget your devices. Don't try to record it. Just be present. Soak it up. Cry. Laugh."
The moon partially covers the sun during the total solar eclipse in Mazatlan, Mexico, April 8, 2024. © Fernando Llano, AP
People use special glasses to watch a total solar eclipse in Mazatlan, Mexico, April 8, 2024. © Fernando Llano, AP
Total eclipses occur when the Moon comes exactly between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the light of our star in broad daylight. The Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon, but also 400 times further away, and the two stars therefore appear to be of a similar size.
With AFP
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