The total eclipse will not be visible in the PH, but you can still experience it. Here's how
A total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada on Monday, April 8, marking the last total solar eclipse to cross the U.S. for the next twenty years.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a total solar eclipse happens when "the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk."
The total solar eclipse will occur over the Pacific Ocean and certain regions of North America. Hence, only those in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will have the opportunity to witness it.
This year's total eclipse, dubbed the "Great North American Eclipse," is a "big deal," as per NASA. One reason is that the moon will completely block the sun for over 4 minutes in some areas, which is about 2 minutes longer than an eclipse crossed the US in 2017.
Moreover, the sun is more active. This means there's a better chance of seeing "giant streamers, prominences, or even a solar eruption."
However, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Astronomical Observatory, the total solar eclipse expected on Monday will not be visible in the Philippines as it will be nighttime in the country.
"Ibig sabihin nandun siya sa area kung nasan 'yung other side of the world which is ‘yung western side. So dahil nasa Western side ‘yung moon, essentially dun lang makikita 'yung solar eclipse," the state weather bureau said.
How to watch it safely?
If you're in the US, NASA’s Eclipse Explorer lets you find out the local details of the eclipse—just enter your address or zip code.
When viewing it, remember to use special eclipse glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer that complies with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.
"Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury," NASA reminded.
Additionally, it said that people who will be out that day should "wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage."
How to witness the solar eclipse in the Philippines
Are you in the Philippines? One way to watch the total eclipse is through NASA's coverage. They'll be providing coverage across multiple platforms, including their YouTube channel, NASA Plus, NASA TV, and the official NASA website.
Through the live stream, viewers can expect real-time views from across the eclipse path, expert commentary, and live demos, among others.
The streaming will start on April 9, 1 a.m. (PH time).
Three days of darkness
PAGASA also denied reports of a three-day blackout, citing them as unfounded and lacking scientific backing.
Citing the state weather bureau, the Philippine Information Agency said no evidence supports the idea that eclipse darkness results from the Earth travelling through "Photon Belts."
"DOST-PAGASA would like to inform the general public that the news circulating on the internet about the Earth experiencing three days of darkness due to its passage through Photon Belts on April 8, 2024, is a hoax," it said.
"There is no scientific evidence to support its existence, and its origins are unclear. Astronomers have not observed any evidence of a band of high-energy photons surrounding the Milky Way galaxy. It is said that when the Earth passes through this belt, it triggers various transformative effects, both physical and spiritual. However, there is no scientific proof to support this theory," it added.