THE annular solar eclipses are fascinating astronomical events where the Moon is placed between the Earth and the Sun, but without completely covering it, creating a “ring of fire” visible. This phenomenon arouses the attention of astronomers and enthusiasts, who gather in strategic locations to take advantage of the connection between our planet and the cosmos. The next annular solar eclipse will occur on October 2, 2024 and will be visible in the southern Argentina and Chilewhere thousands of people are expected to attend this spectacle.
The particularity of annular eclipses lies in the elliptical orbit of the Moonwhich prevents it from completely covering the Sun, leaving a resplendent ring of light visible. The path of the lunar shadow will cover parts of the Pacific Ocean and cross localities in Chile and Argentina. The total duration of the eclipse will be approximately seven minutes, although the “ring of fire” will only be visible for three minutes. To observe this phenomenon, it is essential to use certified eclipse glasses, because the UV rays may cause eye damage.
Annular solar eclipse
The next annular solar eclipse is scheduled for October 2, 2024. However, it will not be visible everywhere in the world.
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is at a point in its orbit farthest from Earth, causing its apparent size to be smaller and therefore not completely covering the Sun. This phenomenon gives rise to the famous phenomenon. “ring of fire”which is visible from specific areas in its path. The annularity phase, when observed shiny ringlasts between two and five minutes, and in nearby areas a partial eclipse can be observed.
According to NASA, this annular solar eclipse will be visible from Pacific OceanEaster Island and parts of southern Chile and Argentina. Localities such as Rapa Nui and the province of Santa Cruz in Argentina are considered the best places to witness the phenomenon. Those outside the eclipse path will not be able to enjoy the event and will have to wait for a partial solar eclipse in March 2025.
The annular solar eclipse on October 2 will have a total duration of 223 minutesbeginning in the Pacific Ocean and ending north of the Falkland Islands. At its peak, the Moon’s coverage of the Sun will reach 86%, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Calendar
He annular solar eclipse of October 2, 2024 It will occur in the South Pacific Ocean, South America, the Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica, and will not be visible in North America, although parts of Hawaii will be able to partially observe it.
The event will begin with a partial eclipse at 3:42 p.m. UTC and the annular eclipse will begin at 4:50 p.m. UTC, peaking at 6:45 p.m. UTC and ending around 9:47 p.m. UTC.
The phenomenon will begin approximately 1,700 miles southwest of the Hawaiian Islands at 16:54 UTC, with a trajectory 205 miles wide and a duration of 5 minutes and 39 seconds. It will then continue southwest and reach its peak at 19:07 UTC, where it will last 7 minutes and 2 seconds.
At 19:07 UTC, the annular eclipse will make landfall on Rapa Nui, and will later be seen on the Patagonian coast of Chile at 8:22 p.m. UTC. It will cross the Andes to reach Argentina at 20:24 UTC, where it can be observed for just over three minutes before heading back to the South Atlantic Ocean at 20:27 UTC.
Eventually the eclipse will continue to the northern Falkland Islands and will end 341 miles north of South Georgia in Antarctica at 8:36 p.m. UTC, after a total duration of 3 hours and 43 minutes. In total, it will cover 0.82% of the earth’s surface.
Types of solar eclipses
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is placed between the Earth and the Suncompletely or partially blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. This phenomenon can be classified into three types, each with different characteristics. First, the total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the solar disk, allowing only the solar corona to be observed. This event is only visible from a narrow strip of Earth.
On the other hand, partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only part of the Sun. In this case, the illusion is created that the Sun has a “bite”, resulting in a partial solar eclipse. very interesting visual spectacle. Finally, the annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is farthest from Earth in its orbit, making it appear smaller than the Sun. During this type of eclipse, the Moon does not completely obscure the Sun, allowing a ring of sunlight to be visible around it. its edge.
