Countdown begins for April's total solar eclipse. What to know about watch parties and safe viewing
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The sun is about to pull another disappearing act across North America, turning day into night during a total solar eclipse. The peak spectacle on April 8 will last up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds in the path of total darkness — twice as long as the total solar eclipse that dimmed U.S. skies in 2017. Here's what to know about April’s extravaganza and how to prepare: WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE? By a cosmic stroke of luck, the moon will make the month’s closest approach to Earth the day before the total solar eclipse.
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