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.