Prelims 15-04-2024
Port of Baltimore
Why in news?
- A cargo ship leaving the Port of Baltimore in Baltimore struck the (I-695) Francis Scott Key Bridge which caused a collapse of the bridge.
About Port of Baltimore
- It is strategically located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. east coast.
- It is one of the busiest harbours in the U.S
- It is the ninth largest U.S. port by overall trade volume.
- In 2023 alone, it moved around 50 million tonnes of goods between the U.S. and other countries.
- It is smaller than other ports on the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico, it still plays a critical role in processing U.S. international trade traffic.
- That’s especially true for some products, such as automobiles, heavy machinery and coal.
- It also handles a large share of U.S. sugar imports.
Total Solar Eclipse
Why in news?
- Recently, the total solar eclipse was observed covering over 30 million people in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
About the Total Solar Eclipse:
- A total solar eclipse is a rare and awe-inspiring event that has fascinated humans for centuries.
- It occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s light and casting a shadow on certain parts of the Earth.
Frequency and Visibility:
- While there can be between two and five solar eclipses every year, total eclipses only happen about once every 18 months.
- A particular spot on Earth witnesses a total solar eclipse only once in 400 years.
- The path of totality, where the Sun will be fully blocked by the Moon.