Celestial dance: Lunar and solar eclipses in 2024

Chandra Grahan and Surya Grahan, translated as lunar and solar eclipses are spectacular events evoking the interests of scientists and stargazers alike. Eclipses happen when the sun, moon and earth align themselves in a straight line. This happens a few times every year. In a typical calendar year, there can be four eclipses, two lunar and two solar. However, in some years, it is possible to come across five, six or seven eclipses, though such years are very rare.

In 2024, four eclipses in total will occur – two solar and two lunar eclipses. The first one of the year will happen on 25 March 2024 and it will be a penumbral lunar eclipse. The second one will be a total solar eclipse, which will occur on 8 April 2024. The third eclipse of the year described as a partial lunar eclipse will happen on 18 September 2024. The final one for the year, namely an annular solar eclipse will stage itself in the sky on 2 October 2024. Now let us explore some interesting facts about these four eclipses one by one.

25 March 2024 - Penumbral lunar eclipse

The first eclipse of 2024 will be a penumbral lunar eclipse that happens when the moon passes through the penumbral shadow of the earth. In this type of eclipse, the beginning and end of the eclipse will not be visible to the naked eyes. This eclipse will be visible from most of Europe, North / East Asia, most of Australia, Most of Africa, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic and Antarctica.

8 April 2024 – Total solar eclipse

The second eclipse of 2024 will be a total solar eclipse, an event of rarity and hence it is the most anticipated spectacle of the year. This eclipse can be seen from regions including western parts of Europe, North America, Northern parts of South America, Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic.

18 September 2024 – Partial lunar eclipse

A partial lunar eclipse will stage itself in the sky on 18 September 2024. This third eclipse of the year can be viewed from Europe, most of Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica.

2 October 2024 – Annular solar eclipse

Annular solar eclipse will occur on 2 October 2024. The final eclipse of the year can be observed from regions including the southern parts of North America, most of South America, Pacific, Atlantic, and Antarctica.

Take Away

So, in 2024, we can witness a few spectacular eclipses in the sky. While we might want to focus on the astronomical and astrological significance of these events, we are also enamored by the rare sights they present in the sky. Eclipses may not change our daily lives; however, watching eclipses can feel like catching a glimpse behind the cosmic screen. When we take some time from the regular routine to look up and appreciate the cosmic shows above us, we are reminded that our earth is only part of something much bigger. So, until we travel with the year 2024, let us keep focused on these four interesting eclipses and wonder at the spectacles they will present us.