Get ready for showtime as a total eclipse sweeps the USA
Chris Bramley, Editor
On 8 April, a total eclipse will sweep a spectacular shadow across Central and North America. The path of totality makes landfall on the Pacific coast of Mexico in Sinaloa before moving into the US in Texas, crossing into eastern Canada, and leaving land for the Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland. In the US alone, an amazing 31 million people live inside the path of totality, and some estimates put totality within 400 kilometres (250 miles) of more than half the country’s entire population!
Remarkably, the final stages of this eclipse will also be visible from western parts of the UK, with a partial eclipse visible at sunset. This is one event you will want to capture for posterity, so don’t miss experienced eclipse photographer Pete Lawrence’s guide to taking great eclipse shots from the US on page 38 and from the UK on page 76.
When eclipse fever has subsided, the night sky at this time of year holds a special treat for those in the Northern Hemisphere – it’s galaxy season. From this half of Earth, our view of space in springtime isn’t obscured by everything in the centre of the Milky Way and we’re given a stunning vista out of the Galaxy, across vast distances to the island universes beyond. On page 28, Rod Mollise tours seven galactic gems around Canes Venatici and Ursa Major. You’ll find more on page 56 too, where the Sky Guide takes in six spectacular spirals in Coma Berenices and Boötes.
Enjoy the issue!
PS Our next issue goes on sale on Thursday 18 April.
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