An astronomer has explained why the 2024 solar eclipse is one in ten million year occurrence. North America will be treated to a total solar eclipse today (8 April), plunging into darkness during the daytime. The rare occurrence will see many flocking to catch a glimpse of the moon completely covering the sun as they stand in the darkest part of the moon’s shadow. Astronomer Dr David Whitehouse told Sky News: “In an amazing coincidence today, which only happens over a few tens of millions of years over the entire history of the earth, is that the moon is the same size as the sun as seen from the Earth.” A partial solar eclipse may be visible in the UK between about 7.50pm and 8.50pm.