In the early morning of April 9, Singapore time, a total solar eclipse will sweep across large swathes of North and Central America in a rare celestial event. The last time a total solar eclipse hit the continent was in 2017, with 12 million people living in the path of totality. But scientists, skywatchers, and eclipse chasers are particularly excited about this year's event as it will travel along a wider and more populated path, over states like Texas and New York. NASA estimates that almost three times more people live in the path of totality this year compared with 2017.
Those in Singapore will not be able to view the total solar eclipse. Thankfully, there are online avenues to catch the event in real time – you'll just have to sacrifice some sleep. Or you can start planning for 2026's solar eclipse, which will pass over popular European destinations like Iceland and Spain.
In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about tonight's total solar eclipse.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. There are two types of solar eclipses: the annular solar eclipse, where the moon obscures all but the outer ring of the sun; and the total solar eclipse, where the moon obscures the entire face of the sun. Lucky us, the solar eclipse this April is total – a much rarer phenomenon.
When the moon obscures the sun, it creates a shadow that moves across Earth known as "the path of totality". Within the path of totality, the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Observers along this 'centre line' will witness the total solar eclipse, while those outside will only see a partial solar eclipse.
What time is the solar eclipse?
The total solar eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, hitting Mexico's Pacific Coast around 11.07am PDT on April 8 (2.07am SGT on April 9). The path of totality then travels across the United States and Canada, exiting North America around 5.16pm NDT on the same day (3.46am SGT on April 9).
How long is the solar eclipse?
The entire event will take about two and a half hours. However, the peak spectacle – when the moon totally blocks the sun – will last only 4 minutes and 27 seconds. That sounds short, but it's almost double that of The Great American Eclipse in 2017.
Can I observe the solar eclipse from Singapore?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to observe the total solar eclipse from Singapore.
Where do I watch the solar eclipse online?
Thank goodness for the internet because the total solar eclipse will be live-streamed. The best place to catch it is on NASA's official broadcast, streaming from 1am to 4am SGT. Listen to experts and watch telescope views of the eclipse from several sites along the eclipse's path. If you have burning questions, you can send them in the chat using #askNASA to get a live answer too.
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