Solar eclipse 2024: NASA issues travel warning ahead of rare celestial event

Solar eclipse 2024: India will not see this celestial event. (representative picture)

As the solar eclipse, also known as Surya Grahan, is set to occur on April 8, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning about flying ahead of the celestial event. The U.S. government civil aviation agency recommended in a press brief that aircraft should prepare for possible delays, diversions and departure schedule changes for all domestic (instrument flight rules) IFR flights. The FAA’s website also lists airports in the path of the upcoming eclipse that will be affected.

“The purpose of this notice is to inform pilots of possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the path of the solar eclipse from 1000 UTC on April 7, 2024, to 0400 UTC on April 10, 2024,” the press release reads.

“Aircraft should be prepared for potential onboard holding, diversions and/or expected departure clearance times (EDCT) that may be issued for all domestic IFR arrivals and departures. Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs) are possible,” it added.

According to NASA, the April 8 solar eclipse, also known as the “Great North American Solar Eclipse,” will be visible in several countries, including the United States, Mexico and Canada. The eclipse will travel across North America, creating a spectacle for observers. The FAA said it expects air traffic to intensify, especially between Texas and New England, as skywatchers prepare to witness the rare event.

The aviation agency added: “Traffic volumes at airports along the eclipse route are likely to be higher than normally expected. Traffic should expect delays during peak traffic periods. Parking may be restricted, particularly at smaller, unaffected areas. Controlled airport.”

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Additionally, the agency recommends that pilots and airports plan early and remain vigilant to mitigate potential challenges during this period. “Special safety regulations may be implemented for this event, including but not limited to Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), two-way radio communications and discrete transponder requirements,” the statement said.

It is worth noting that the solar eclipse will not be visible from India. It will be visible in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small areas of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the eclipse. The eclipse will then move to Canada and then exit North America on the Atlantic coast. Hundreds of schools in the United States will be closed on April 8 due to a total solar eclipse.