An astronomical spectacle captivated skywatchers as a total solar eclipse graced the skies across North America, turning day into night, on April 8. Total eclipses were dramatic and turned the sky dark, but they were only visible from a few locations. That’s why the opportunity to experience an eclipse was often called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The total solar eclipse of 2024 occurred on April 8. The total darkening of the sky, also known as totality, was visible across a 185-kilometre stretch between Mexico, the United States (US) and Canada. As many as 18 different US States also got to see it. However, it wasn’t visible to skywatchers in India.

According to the Indian Standard Time (IST), the total solar eclipse began at 9:12 pm on April 8. Totality started at 10:08 pm and ended on April 9, 2024, at 2:22 am. The Pacific coast of Mexico experienced totality first, around 11:07 am PDT, and the occurrence left Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT.

A group of silhouetted people standing together, watching the total solar eclipse. (Image: Reuters)
The sun is partially obscured by the moon, creating a dramatic crescent shape against the black sky. (Image: Reuters)
The sun appears as a brilliant crescent shape against the reddish-orange sky, as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. (Image: Associated Press)