Rare Total Solar Eclipse at the End of Ramadan: NASA’s Warning and Phenomenon Not to be Missed

Watan-Astronomers warned of April 8, 2024, which coincides with the last night of the holy month of Ramadan, where a total solar eclipse will occur, turning day into night and lowering temperatures, as darkness will turn sunlight into night.

During this cosmic coincidence, the moon and the sun appear to be almost the same size in the sky. When the moon blocks the sun’s glare, the outer atmosphere of the sun, or the corona, will be visible for a short period.

According to NASA, on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America, crossing Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely obscuring the sun’s face. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

Scientists say this rare phenomenon – a total solar eclipse – will not recur until after 20 years.

The agency urged precautions when viewing the total solar eclipse, ensuring people are aware of the time they need to wear specialized eye protection glasses designed for solar viewing by reviewing safety guidelines.

Through social media, activists linked this rare phenomenon, coinciding with the last day of Ramadan, with current events witnessed by the world, with some recalling signs of the end times and the end of the world, as they described.

Direct Viewing

Except for the short total phase of the total solar eclipse when the moon completely blocks the bright face of the sun, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.

NASA guidelines to avoid danger

According to NASA guidelines, when viewing the partial phases of the solar eclipse directly with the naked eye, which occur before and after the total eclipse, a person should look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a handheld safe solar viewer at all times.

Eclipse Path

The New York Times noted that the eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, then pass across Mexico and cross the United States from Texas to Maine.

Most parts of North America will witness a partial eclipse, but viewers within the deepest shadow – a strip stretching from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada – will witness a total solar eclipse.

Observers within the path of totality may notice a drop in temperature, calmness or changes in winds, bright planets appearing in the sky, and the quietness of birds and other wildlife.

Many cities lie within the path of totality, ranging in width from 108 miles to 122 miles.