Five reasons why 2024 total solar eclipse will be a stargazer's dream

North America is gearing up for a monumental celestial event, with the total solar eclipse on April 8 set to captivate millions in northern Mexico, the US, and southeastern Canada, Space.com reported.

Here are six reasons why the 2024 eclipse might outshine any in the past few centuries:

1. Historic length

This eclipse will be the longest in American history since 1806. People seeing it from Mexico can see the eclipse for a staggering 4 minutes and 28 seconds, a rare occurrence not experienced since Tecumseh's Eclipse of 1806.

2. Solar maximum spectacle

This eclipse, coinciding with the solar maximum, promises a larger, more symmetrical sun's corona, which is a striking contrast to the thorny look observed during the 2017 solar eclipse. 

3. Celestial surprise

A comet, the "Devil Comet" (12P/Pons-Brooks), might grace the skies during totality. While its visibility is uncertain, astronomers suggest scanning with binoculars for a potential celestial surprise.

4. Record-breaking audience

Anticipated to be the most-watched total solar eclipse in North America, around 40 million people in the US, Mexico, and Canada will reside within the path of totality. This surpasses the 2017 eclipse's viewership by a significant margin.

5. Urban eclipse

A quarter of viewers on April 8 will witness totality from cities, including Mazatlán, Dallas-Fort Worth, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Montreal, making this eclipse notably urban-centric.