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A total solar eclipse is set to light up (or rather, darken) the skies on August 12. It’s already drawing a lot of attention from stargazers and astronomers around the world, but unfortunately, India won’t be able to see the spectacle.
What happens during a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s view. Without any sunlight, the sky darkens dramatically, almost feeling like dawn or dusk. On top of this, temperatures drop, and stars or planets might briefly pop into view in the middle of the day.
Where will the eclipse be visible?
According to NASA, this total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean and Spain. A small part of Portugal will also get a glimpse.
Many other places in the Northern Hemisphere will experience a partial solar eclipse that day, including parts of the northern US, from Alaska to North Carolina, parts of Canada and Europe, and northwestern Africa.
Why is it not visible in India?
The main reason India is missing out comes down to one very simple thing: timing. In Indian Standard Time (IST), the eclipse window runs approximately from 9.45pm on August 12 to 2.15am on August 13. So, it’s happening at night, when the Sun will be well below the horizon. That is why you won't be able to see the eclipse.
Hold the grief, because major space organisations such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) will broadcast high-definition live streams.