With the world expecting to bear witness to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, a total solar eclipse, on Monday, various controversies hit social platforms as regards its happening in some parts of the world.
According to the US National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA)’s projections, the path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse will traverse a diverse array of landscapes and cultures, offering an unforgettable experience for spectators across several countries.
The US’s NASA explains that the total eclipse which will occur when the moon completely blocks out the sun will darken skies for a few minutes “as if it were dawn or dusk”.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the sun’s light on one side, and casting a shadow on a small area of Earth on its other side.
As anticipation builds and excitement mounts, astronomers, photographers, and curious spectators around the world are making preparations to observe and document the 2024 total solar eclipse.
The Total Solar eclipse is expected to last for a few minutes depending on its path of totality. Also, a partial eclipse will be visible for about two hours on Monday, before and after totality.
However contrary to recent speculations across social media, with regards to the occurrence of the total solar eclipse, Nigeria is not expected to witness this event.
According to verifications by the Dubawa Organization, Nigeria was not included among countries expected to witness the event by NASA.
Based on reports from the space agency, the total solar eclipse is expected to cross over North America, passing through Mexico, the US and Canada.
In a report by Dubawa, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has debunked a claim on the TikTok platform that the earth was in total darkness for some days since April 8 due to the sun’s eclipse.
While debunking the claim, Mr. Felix Ale, NASRDA Director of media and corporate communications, said the four-minute eclipse would not even be witnessed in Africa.
“It will happen on the North American axis. We will not feel it here because it will be at night in Africa. The eclipse will only last for four minutes, and it will not affect us at all,” he stated.
