The next total solar eclipse – when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun – could be the last chance to see one for decades.
Such an event is expected to pass through Mexico, the US and Canada on April 8, 2024. And according to NASA, that will be the last solar eclipse visible from the contiguous US until August 2044.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the earth, blocking the sun’s light and darkening the sky as in the morning or late evening. The last time this type of eclipse occurred over the US was in August 2017when for the first time they could see the result of the whole continent almost 100 years.
Total solar eclipses occur every one to three years, but the events are usually only visible from the Earth’s poles or from the middle of the ocean.
While next year’s eclipse will not be visible from the coast, the path of totality passes through a dozen states, including Texas, Arkansas, New York and Pennsylvania. Totality will begin in the Southern Ocean before passing through Mexico, the US and end after passing through Newfoundland, Canada and Labrador. Cities along the entire route will not yet be able to see a partial solar eclipse.
The first spot in North America expected to witness the universe is off the Pacific coast of Mexico around 11:07 am PDT, according to NASA. While the eclipse will last for two hours, totality will last about four minutes. Only in these few minutes is it safe for people to remove the special eclipse glasses.
I expect that
The long-awaited moment of a total eclipse of the sun – totality – is just minutes long, and apart from that moment, it is crucial for people to use special eclipse glasses to avoid damaging their eyes.
The event will begin with what is called partial, when the moon has not yet filled the sun, the star giving the shape of a huge moon. This can last between 70 and 80 minutes in most places. When the moon closes completely, the “Beda Baily” will appear – small rays of light from the sun that quickly paper over the moon’s horizon. Then, before the whole thing, the beads will disappear, leaving only one spot to refer to the “lover’s ring”.
That’s when the moment finally comes – the sky is dark and the sun appears as a glowing black circle.
“All in all, it takes a few seconds to observe the world around you. You can see the sunset 360 degrees. You may even be able to see some bright stars or planets in the dark sky,” says NASA. “The temperature will drop and there’s often an eerie silence surrounding you. It’s also worth sneaking a peek at the people around you – many have a deep emotional response when the Sun goes into full bloom.”
After only two minutes the process, which has been carried through to the whole, will repeat itself retrograde, and the eclipse will end.
It is a matter of heavenly things
Although a total solar eclipse is still a year away, it’s not the only opportunity to see the celestial event from right outside your home. An annular solar eclipse will pass over North, Central and South America on October 14 this year, which will be the last such eclipse from the continental US until 2039, NASA said.
And if you want some space before the fall, just wait a few weeks.
A a bright green comet known as C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is set to make its first and likely only appearance to human eyes. The comet, which is believed to have traveled billions of miles through space, is expected to make its closest approach to the sun on February 12 and its closest approach to Earth on March 2, when humans can catch a glimpse. comets with just his binoculars — and if you’re really lucky, with the naked eye.
Li Cohen
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