April 8th's Total Solar Eclipse Seen Across North America
Monday, April 08, 2024
(CNBNews)(April 8, 2024)--On Monday, April 8, 2024, North America experienced a rare natural phenomenon, a total solar eclipse. The eclipse was visible across the entire continent, and Dan Vaultier managed to capture some stunning photos of it in South Jersey, using only his cell phone.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, completely obstructing the Sun's image for an observer on Earth. The scientific fact is that when the Moon's apparent diameter is larger than that of the Sun, it results in a total solar eclipse, blocking all direct sunlight and turning day into darkness. This is an incredible sight to behold, and it's a reminder of the incredible forces of nature that surround us.
It's important to note that totality can only be seen along a narrow path on Earth's surface. However, a partial solar eclipse can still be seen over a surrounding area thousands of kilometers wide. The Moon's diameter is approximately 3470 km (or 2160 miles), making it a significant celestial body in the occurrence of a solar eclipse.
The total solar eclipse was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone to witness the beauty and power of nature. It is a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things and how much there is yet to discover about the world around us.
CREDITS NASA