Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

US to witness solar eclipse on April 8

Prime locations for viewing the solar eclipse include Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio among other places.

US to witness solar eclipse on April 8

Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary celestial event as a total solar eclipse graces the skies across North America on April 8. These eclipses are awe-inspiring, casting darkness over the day, but they can only be seen from select locations. That's why witnessing an eclipse is often deemed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What is a solar eclipse?


A solar eclipse is a celestial event where the moon moves between the earth and the sun, blocking out the sun's light either partially or entirely.

solar eclipse The Great American Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024, will traverse North America, spanning Mexico, the United States, and Canada. (Representative image: iStock)

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, casting a shadow on the earth and creating what is known as the "path of totality." Within this path, observers experience darkness akin to twilight as the sky turns dark.

When is the total solar eclipse of 2024, and where will it be visible?

The total solar eclipse of 2024 will occur on April 8. It will be visible across a 185-kilometer stretch between Mexico, the US, and Canada. Additionally, 18 different US states will experience the event.

solar eclipse 4 2017 Total Solar Eclipse in the United States of America (Representative image: iStock)

What is the duration of the total solar eclipse in 2024?

The event will last about two and a half hours, with totality—the period when the sun is completely covered by the moon—lasting approximately four minutes. The peak spectacle is expected to last for up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds.

How can one safely view the solar eclipse?

It's crucial to wear protective eyewear, such as licensed eclipse glasses, during the partial phases of the eclipse. Staring directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent damage or blindness.

solar eclipse 3 As per NASA's recommendation, it's essential to wear eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard when observing any solar eclipse. (Representative image: iStock)

Can the solar eclipse be watched online?

Yes, for those unable to witness the eclipse in person, NASA will be live-streaming the event. The live stream will feature telescope views from various sites along the eclipse path, along with expert conversations. The McDonald Observatory in Texas and the website timeanddate.com will also offer live streams of the total solar eclipse.

The next total solar eclipse visible over parts of the UK is expected to occur in September 2090. However, even then, the path of totality will only graze the south-west tip of the country, covering regions such as Cornwall and Devon. This path closely resembles that of the 1999 eclipse.

More For You

wasim bashir

Bashir retired from the force while under investigation but will still face misconduct proceedings. (Photo credit: West Yorkshire Police)

West Yorkshire Police

Former West Yorkshire Police officer jailed for misconduct

A FORMER West Yorkshire Police officer has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison after being convicted of misconduct in a public office.

Wasim Bashir, 55, who worked as a detective constable in Bradford District, was found guilty of one count of misconduct in a public office for forming a sexual relationship with a female victim of crime. He was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, 29 August.

Keep ReadingShow less
Epping protests

Protesters calling for the closure of The Bell Hotel, which was housing asylum seekers, gather outside the council offices in Epping on August 8, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Over a dozen councils plan legal action despite Home Office court win

Highlights:

  • Court of Appeal has overturned injunction blocking use of Epping hotel for asylum seekers.
  • Judges say human rights obligations outweigh local safety concerns.
  • At least 13 councils preparing legal action despite ruling.
  • Protests outside the Bell Hotel lead to arrests and police injuries.

MORE than a dozen councils are moving ahead with legal challenges against the use of hotels for asylum seekers despite the Home Office winning an appeal in the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
India-Canada-iStock

India and Canada have appointed new envoys in a step to restore diplomatic ties strained since 2023. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Envoys appointed as India, Canada move to restore diplomatic ties

INDIA and Canada on Thursday announced the appointment of new envoys to each other’s capitals, in a step aimed at restoring strained ties following the killing of a Sikh separatist in 2023.

India has named senior diplomat Dinesh K Patnaik as the next high commissioner to Ottawa, while Canada appointed Christopher Cooter as its new envoy to New Delhi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rajitha Senaratne arrested

Security officers escort Sri Lankan former fisheries minister, Rajitha Senaratne (C), outside a court in Colombo on August 29, 2025. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Getty Images

Rajitha Senaratne detained as Sri Lanka intensifies anti-corruption drive

SRI LANKAN former government minister surrendered himself to a court on Friday (29) after two months on the run, the latest high profile detention in a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown.

Anti-graft units have ramped up their investigations since president Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to power in September on a promise to fight corruption.

Keep ReadingShow less
protests-uk-getty
Protesters from the group Save Our Future & Our Kids Future demonstrate against uncontrolled immigration outside the Cladhan Hotel on August 16, 2025 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo: Getty Images)
Getty Images

Government wins appeal over housing asylum seekers in hotel

Highlights:

  • UK appeals court overturns ruling blocking hotel use for asylum seekers
  • Judges call earlier High Court decision “seriously flawed”
  • 138 asylum seekers will not need to be relocated by September 12
  • Full hearing scheduled at the Court of Appeal in October

A UK appeals court has overturned a lower court order that had temporarily blocked the use of a hotel in Epping, northeast of London, to house asylum seekers.

Keep ReadingShow less