The Cosmic Spectacle: Google's Animation of the Total Solar Eclipse on 8th March

On April 8, a total solar eclipse is set to captivate celestial enthusiasts worldwide. This rare cosmic event occurs when the moon aligns precisely between the Earth and the Sun, momentarily dimming sunlight.

GIF source Blizzard Forums

The eclipse is predicted to be visible to nearly 32 million individuals across 15 states in the United States, with the path of totally spanning 185 kilometres and an additional 15-0 million people residing within 200 miles of the trajectory also positioned to witness the celestial phenomenon.

Communities across the US have organized festivals and viewing gatherings along the eclipse's path of totality, with schools either closing for the day or dismissing students early to facilitate eclipse viewing. The excitement is mounting, as residents in the southern and central US hope for clear skies  NASA is ready to launch a trio of sounding rockets to investigate changes in the ionosphere during the sudden darkness caused by the eclipse.

Image source GrowNxt Digital

Simultaneously, India's space probe Aditya L1, part of the Indian Space Research Organisation's inaugural solar mission Indian Space Research Organisation's inaugural solar mission, is positioned to observe the sun during the eclipse, aiming to deepen understanding of the sun.

This year's total eclipse is anticipated to be especially captivating, featuring an extended duration, darker skies, and increased solar activity, potentially allowing viewers to witness intensified solar activity and coronal mass ejections if they occur.