Since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) has announced that a total solar eclipse is expected next month, the United States is abuzz with excitement to witness this rare event.
According to Nasa, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada on April 8, 2024.
This happens when the "moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun," according to Nasa.
Experts have stressed the use of solar eclipse glasses to safely view the event.
But what will this astronomical event look like?
The eclipse's path of totality will begin around 1pm CT and, according to Nasa, "the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk" as the moon will briefly cover the sun entirely.
"Even though it’s a partial eclipse over Chicago, the skies are still going to get darker, with more than 90% of the sun getting covered," NBC 5 Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said. "You’ll notice the crescent shape of the sun in all of the shadows and through your phone camera lens. It feels ominous but it’s a very exciting moment."
A video from the last solar eclipse witnessed in Nebraska in 2017 has recently resurfaced, showing the moon slowly covering 90% of the sun, leaving just a sliver visible.
The moon then moves away and the sun grows brighter again, like turning on a light bulb across the sky.
What makes this eclipse different form previous ones is the fact that it will last longer this time as the moon will take a little longer to move in its orbit across the face of the sun.
The next total solar eclipse won't take place in North America until August 2044.
