Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

US witnesses solar eclipse

Indianapolis witnessed the solar eclipse 2024 first time in more than 800 years.

US witnesses solar eclipse

Eclipse mania swept across North America on April 8, 2024, as millions of people eagerly anticipated the rare spectacle of a total solar eclipse. From Mexico to the United States and Canada, excitement filled the air as the moon began its journey across the face of the sun, ultimately casting a chilly midday darkness over the continent.

In Mesquite, Texas, where hundreds gathered downtown to witness the event, the anticipation was palpable. Clouds had blanketed most of Texas, threatening to obscure the view, but just moments before totality, they parted, allowing the crowd to witness the sun's corona in all its glory. The atmosphere was electric as spectators removed their eclipse glasses to take in the unforgettable sight.


solar eclipse usa 2 scaled Photographers capture the solar eclipse near the Washington Monument on the National Mall, a rare event until 2044. (Photo credit: Getty images)

For many, witnessing a total solar eclipse was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The rarity of the event was not lost on them; the last total solar eclipse in the region had occurred in the 1870s, making this one particularly special.

In Texas, a family gathered at Southwestern University in Georgetown to witness the eclipse. With blankets, lawn chairs, and country music, they settled in for the show. As darkness fell, Hussein remarked that he would never forget the experience. It was a sentiment shared by many across the continent as they gazed up at the celestial display.

Arkansas and northeast New England were among the best places to witness the eclipse in the United States. In Canada, New Brunswick and Newfoundland also offered promising viewing conditions. As the eclipse travelled across the continent, spectators marvelled at the sight, capturing photos and videos to commemorate the event.

In Niagara Falls State Park, tourists gathered under cloudy skies, hopeful for a break in the clouds that would allow them to witness the eclipse. Despite the overcast conditions, excitement filled the air as people eagerly awaited the moment when the moon would completely obscure the sun.

solar eclipse usa 3 scaled Solar eclipse observed above Washington, DC's National Mall on April 8, 2024, drawing crowds to the "path of totality." (Represenatative inmage: Getty images)

As the eclipse reached its peak, darkness descended, and the sun's corona became visible. Birds fell silent, and planets and stars emerged in the twilight sky. For over four minutes, spectators were treated to a sight that few would ever forget. It was a moment of awe and wonder, a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the universe.

The eclipse was not only a visual spectacle but also a scientific opportunity. Experts from NASA and universities across the continent were stationed along the eclipse's path, conducting research and launching weather balloons to study the phenomenon. The International Space Station's astronauts were also on hand to observe the eclipse from above.

solar eclipse usa 5 scaled In Martin, Ohio, on April 8, 2024, the moon eclipses the sun, drawing millions to the "path of totality" across North America. (Representative image: Getty images)

Despite the challenges posed by the weather and the uncertainty of the moment, the eclipse brought people together in celebration of the natural world. It was a reminder of the power and beauty of the cosmos and a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders that await us beyond the confines of our planet.

As the eclipse drew to a close and daylight returned, spectators emerged from their viewing spots, their hearts full of wonder and gratitude for witnessing such a rare and beautiful event. Though the eclipse may have lasted only a few minutes, its impact will be felt for years to come, serving as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet and the vastness of the universe that surrounds us.

More For You

Sunita-Williams-Reuters

Sunita Williams was part of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission and had been stranded in space for over nine months. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters)

India looks amazing from space, says Sunita Williams

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams described India as "amazing" from space and expressed her intention to visit her "father's home country" to share her experiences on space exploration.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, she responded to a question about how India appeared from space and the possibility of collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Keep ReadingShow less
british-muslims-iStock

The study noted that this identification was not due to any doctrinal obligation but was influenced by the perception that many Muslims do not feel fully accepted as British. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Majority of British Muslims identify by faith first, study finds

A STUDY by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL) has found that most British Muslims identify primarily with their religion rather than their nationality.

The research, based on a survey of 815 British Muslim adults by Whitestone Insight, revealed that 71 per cent of respondents identified as Muslim first, while 27 per cent identified as British, English, or Scottish first.

Keep ReadingShow less
Car Tax Changes: EV Owners Now Required to Pay for the First Time

Owners of electric vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2025 will pay £10 for the first year, followed by the standard VED rate of £195 from the second year. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Car tax changes take effect: EV owners to pay for first time

FROM today, 1 April 2025, electric cars, vans, and motorcycles in the UK will be subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for the first time.

The change, introduced in the 2022 Autumn Statement by former Conservative Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, aims to make motoring taxation fairer.

Keep ReadingShow less
scotland-minimum-wages-iStock

Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will receive an annual pay increase of £1,400 in real terms. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Wage increase takes effect for thousands of workers in Scotland

HUNDREDS of thousands of workers in Scotland will see a pay increase as new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates take effect from Tuesday.

The changes will benefit approximately 220,000 people, according to STV News.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk-energy-bill-iStock

Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are rising, while the minimum wage has also increased (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

April bill increases put financial strain on single parents

A RANGE of essential household bills are increasing from April, with Citizens Advice warning that single parents will be among the hardest hit.

Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are rising, while the minimum wage has also increased, BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less