World
Time, path, duration… what to know about today’s solar eclipse
Today, April 8, the moon will block the sun for approximately four minutes in a natural phenomenon known as a solar eclipse.
The expected eclipse is an experience many say will be one of the recent most spectacular celestial events.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun.
For residents of the United States, where some of the eclipse will be happening, it will particularly be a treat.
The last one was in August 2017 but an interval of seven years is unusual. The previous one before that took place in 1979, and the next one will be in 2044.
Here are some things to know about the solar eclipse.
WHY ARE ECLIPSES NOT FREQUENT?
There are different kinds of eclipses — solar, lunar, annular, partial, and hybrid.
Depending on how they align, they provide a unique, exciting view of either the sun or the moon.
While an eclipse season happens twice a year, a solar eclipse only happens occasionally, because the moon does not orbit in the same plane as the sun and earth do.
As such, people in the centre of the moon’s shadow will experience a total eclipse when it hits earth.
The sky will darken and if there is favourable weather, those located in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is otherwise usually obscured by the bright face of the sun.
WILL IT ONLY HAPPEN IN THE US?
Mexico’s Pacific coast is the first point of totality on the path, expected at 11:07 a.m. PT (19:07 p.m. local time) before the eclipse begins its journey across North America.
The total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Mexico, Canada, and more than 10 US states, while a crescent-shaped partial eclipse is expected to appear in 49 other states — if the weather permits.
HOW TO VIEW SOLAR ECLIPSE
Except during the brief total phase when the moon shrouds the sun, solar viewing is not safe without specialised eye protection.
Those living in the path of totality have a front-row seat to the eclipse. However, people in a different zone can watch NASA’s live stream here.
Also, via NASA’s eclipse explorer, you can enter any US address or zip code to find out what will be visible from that location.
IMPACT ON THE PLANET (WEATHER CHANGES)
During a solar eclipse, sunlight wanes and stops heating the ground, leading to a cooling effect on the lower atmosphere. This cooling can impact various aspects of the weather, such as inducing thunderstorms in areas where it isn’t cloudy, affecting wind patterns, increasing relative humidity, and even causing clouds to dissipate, especially low-level cumulus clouds.
The eclipse’s influence on weather can be observed not only during the event but also in the aftermath, with changes in wind direction and speed being noted during and after eclipses.
HAS NIGERIA EVER EXPERIENCED A SOLAR ECLIPSE?
Nigeria has experienced a total solar eclipse in the past. The most recent total solar eclipse in Nigeria occurred on March 29, 2006, and lasted for about four minutes.
The eclipse was visible in parts of the country, including Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Oyo.
The next total solar eclipse in Nigeria is expected to occur in 2034.
World
Nigerian lady Clara Chizoba Kronborg certified as world record holder for longest interviewing marathon
The Guinness World Records (GWR) has certified Clara Chizoba Kronborg, the Nigerian social media entrepreneur, as the holder of the longest interviewing marathon.
Kronborg broke the world record for the longest interviewing marathon with a time of 55 hours 24 seconds.
The Nigerian lady, who grew up in Onitsha, held the marathon between March 8 to 10 wherein she interviewed 90 people of various nationalities and occupations.
The conversations were centred on how each guest achieved success in their respective field.
Kronborg was permitted a five-minute break for each hour which she could use to take a nap, bath, or change her clothes.
Speaking about her motivations, Clara said she attempted the record because of her passion for success and to “amplify the voices of hardworking women using their stories to inspire others”.
“This record attempt was about bringing together diverse individuals, sharing their inspiring narratives, and forging meaningful connections on a global scale,” she said.
“I am committed to amplifying voices, particularly those of hardworking women, and using their stories to inspire others facing similar challenges.”
Clara revealed that one of her toughest challenges during the exercise was the pain she battled from her monthly flow.
“Even worse, my period started the same day, and I was already having intense menstrual cramps,” she added.
“At some point, I was literally dripping pee and period stain, but I persevered and kept my eyes on the goal. To anyone who ever reads this, once you find your purpose, go after it with everything you’ve got.
“Recalling everything I went through physically, mentally, financially, emotionally – it feels so unreal.
“I am extremely proud of this accomplishment because I know lives have been touched and changed.
“This achievement is dedicated to all those who dare to dream and persist, regardless of the challenges they face.”
In an official statement on Wednesday, the GWR certified Clara as the current world record holder.
The previous record was 37 hours 44 minutes by Rob Oliver (USA) in 2022.
In December, Amuda Mariam completed a 100-hour marathon to set a new record for the longest television talk show.
World
10 killed as two military helicopters collide in Malaysia
Two Malaysian military helicopters collided and crashed during a training session on Tuesday, killing all 10 crew onboard, the country’s rescue agency said.
Footage shared online showed several helicopters flying low in formation over the Lumut naval base, located about 160 kilometres (100 miles) from the capital Kuala Lumpur.
The helicopters were participating in a flypast rehearsal ahead of Naval Day celebrations in May.
One chopper was seen clipping the rear rotor of another, causing both to go into a tailspin and crash.
“The two helicopters collided during flight training,” said Suhaimy Mohamad Suhail, senior operations commander from the fire and rescue department, adding that all 10 crew members on board were confirmed dead by medical officers.
The two aircraft involved were a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an AgustaWestland AW139, the rescue agency said.
Photos showed the Eurocopter model heavily mangled in the wreckage on the naval base stadium track with rescue personnel surrounding it as well as various debris.
The AgustaWestland helicopter crashed at the naval base’s swimming pool area.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent his condolences to the families of the victims, saying “the nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy”.
“I was informed that an immediate investigation will be carried out by the Ministry of Defense, especially TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy), to find the cause of the crash,” he said.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also shared condolences.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also shared condolences.
“Queen Zarith and I feel very sad over the loss of national heroes in this tragedy,” he said in a social media post.
World
Israel launches counterattack on Iran
Oil prices have surged by nearly 4 percent as Israel launched a missile attack on a target in Iran, according to international media reports.
Explosions were reported in Isfahan province in central Iran, where the country’s nuclear plant is located.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later announced that there was no damage to the plant.
Israel had promised a response to missile and drone attacks by Iran last weekend.
Iran had launched the attacks in response to the April 1 strike that killed its senior security officials at its embassy in Syria apparently carried out by Israel.
A US official told ABC News that Israel carried out a strike inside Iran, confirming reports of the explosion by the Asian country’s media.
There were also reports of blasts in Iraq and southern Syria.
Commercial flights we re-routed as parts of the Iranian airspace were closed.
Iran says it activated its air defence systems.
Israel is not planning further attacks and Iran is not going to retaliate either, according various officials quoted by the media.
Brent crude price is now over $90 per barrel, up from $87 before the strike.
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