As the calendar turned to 2024, skywatchers were treated to the awe-inspiring sight of a total solar eclipse. Now, as the year progresses, the Earth is poised to witness another solar eclipse, marking this year’s second and last such celestial event. However, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), this solar eclipse will not be visible in Pakistan. Instead, it will be observed in parts of South and North America, as well as Antarctica.
The PMD has detailed the timing of the eclipse, noting that it will commence on the night between October 2 and 3. Specifically, the eclipse will begin at 8:43 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), peak at 11:45 PM PST, and conclude at 2:47 AM PST. Despite the timing aligning with nighttime hours in Pakistan, the geographical location of the eclipse’s path means that it will not be observable from Pakistan.
This upcoming solar eclipse is the last of its kind for the year, making it a significant event for regions where it will be visible. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth and either partially or completely blocking the Sun’s light in certain areas. The visibility of this eclipse in the Americas and Antarctica adds to the global interest in these rare celestial events.
In contrast, Pakistan has recently experienced other notable celestial phenomena. One such event was the appearance of the rare comet Tsuchinshan ATLAS (A3). According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), this comet was visible to the naked eye on a Sunday morning, captivating observers with its brightness. Comet A3, currently making its way around the Sun, has become sufficiently luminous to be seen without the aid of telescopes, offering a unique spectacle for stargazers in Pakistan and around the world.
In addition to the comet, Earth witnessed the temporary arrival of a “mini moon.” An asteroid, designated 2024 PT5, entered Earth’s orbit on September 29, effectively becoming a secondary, albeit temporary, satellite of our planet. This “mini moon” measures approximately 10 metres in length, significantly smaller than Earth’s primary moon, and is not visible to the naked eye. The asteroid’s stay in Earth’s orbit is brief, lasting until November 25, after which it will continue on its path through space.
The concept of a “mini moon” refers to small asteroids that get captured by Earth’s gravitational pull and temporarily orbit the planet before eventually moving on. These occurrences are relatively rare and offer fascinating insights into the dynamics of Earth’s gravitational influence and the vastness of space debris.
While Pakistan will miss out on witnessing this year’s last solar eclipse, the country’s recent celestial experiences, such as viewing the rare comet and the transient “mini moon,” highlight the diverse and ongoing nature of astronomical events. For those eager to see the upcoming solar eclipse, live broadcasts and online streams from observatories in the Americas will provide opportunities to watch the event in real-time, despite geographical limitations.
The excitement surrounding these celestial phenomena underscores humanity’s enduring fascination with the cosmos. Each event, whether an eclipse, a comet sighting, or a transient “mini moon,” contributes to our understanding of the universe and our place within it. As technology advances, our ability to observe and study these events improves, enabling people around the globe to share in the wonder of astronomical discoveries.
Pakistan will not witness the solar eclipse on the nights of October 2 and 3, but the country’s skygazers have had the opportunity to experience other remarkable astronomical events this year. The visibility of Comet Tsuchinshan ATLAS (A3) and the transient “mini moon” have provided unique moments of cosmic observation. For those interested in the solar eclipse, modern technology offers alternative means to connect with and appreciate the wonders of our universe, bridging geographical distances and bringing the marvels of the sky to all.
