Dhaka, Aug 12 (V7N)- The world is set to witness a rare total solar eclipse within hours, as the Sun, Moon and Earth align in a nearly straight line. The last total solar eclipse occurred in April 2024.
This time, the spectacular celestial event will be visible mainly from parts of Europe. For the first time since 1999, a total solar eclipse will be visible from mainland Europe.
The eclipse can be observed from parts of Spain, Iceland, Greenland, Russia, Portugal and northwestern Africa. People in several other parts of Europe are also preparing to witness the rare phenomenon.
However, the possibility of rain in some areas has raised concerns among visitors who have travelled long distances to observe the event.
According to the information provided, the solar eclipse will begin at 9:34 pm Bangladesh time on Wednesday, with totality lasting around 2 minutes and 18 seconds.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun's light. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the visible disk of the Sun.
Scientists say total eclipses are possible because the Sun and Moon appear to be almost the same size when viewed from Earth, despite their enormous difference in actual size and distance.
According to NASA, Earth experiences between two and five solar eclipses each year. However, total solar eclipses are much rarer, occurring roughly 66 times per century, or about once every one and a half years.
END/SMA/AJ
