I feel blessed to be around to join millions on earth to witness this planetary phenomenon. A solar eclipse occurs during the new moon phase, when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth and totally or partially blocking our view of the sun. While an average of two solar eclipses happens every year, a particular location on Earth is only in the path of totality every 375 years on average.
10 Facts about the ECLIPSE
The temperature will drop – get your sweaters and jackets ready for the show.
Wildlife may act differently – Don’t panic if you notice your pets acting funny. Dogs may bark longer while squirrels may act disoriented.
The total eclipse starts in the Pacific Ocean and ends in the Atlantic. – The total eclipse starts at 12:39 p.m. Eastern Time, a bit more than 620 miles south of the Republic of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean, according to Astronomy. The umbra remains in contact with Earth’s surface for three hours and 16 minutes until 3:55 p.m. when it ends in the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 340 miles southwest of Ireland.
Mexico will see the longest totality during the eclipse. – the longest totality will extend for four minutes and 28 seconds on a 350-mile-long swath near the centerline of the eclipse, including west of Torreón, Mexico,
More people currently live in the path of totality compared to the last eclipse. – An estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality for 2024’s solar eclipse, compared to 12 million in 2017.
A part of the sun which is typically hidden will reveal itself. – the corona, outermost atmosphere of the star that is normally not visible to humans because of the sun’s brightness.
The sun will be near its more dramatic solar maximum – the sun will be in its most active phase of a roughly 11-year solar cycle, which might lead to more prominent and evident sun activity.
Two planets may be spotted – Venus will be visible 15 degrees west-southwest of the sun 10 minutes before totality, while Jupiter will also appear 30 degrees to the east-northeast of the sun during totality.
The eclipse can cause a “360-degree sunset” – A solar eclipse can cause a sunset-like glow in every direction.
There will be a long wait for the next total eclipse in the U.S. – The next total eclipse in the U.S. won’t happen until March 30, 2033.
Note that special eye wear should be used to view the eclipse.
For more, view NASA
source: Time
Leave a Reply