THE solar eclipses They are, without a doubt, the most impressive astronomical events. And this will be the total solar eclipse of the April 8, 2024, the first solar eclipse of the season.
Of great interest to both astronomy and science in general, this solar eclipse will be particularly significant as it will be the first to cross the United States from coast to coast from eclipse of 1918.
On this occasion, the total solar eclipse will be visible mainly in North America: Mexico, United States and Canada. However, anyone in other places in the world will be able to follow it through the online streaming.
Total solar eclipse in April 2024: how many types of eclipses exist
There are two types of eclipses: there are solar eclipses and there are lunar eclipses.
In the case of solar eclipses, these occur when the Moon is in the path of the Sun’s light and casts its shadow on the Earth. This means that, during the day, the Moon moves in front of the Sun and it becomes dark, as if it were night.
This is basically a solar eclipse (not to scale). Photo: Galileo Galilei PlanetariumIn the lunar eclipsesalthough the Earth, Sun and Moon also participate, the difference lies in the position of these stars.
In this case the Earth is placed between the Sun and the Moon; while, as we said, in a solar eclipseand the Moon that comes between the Earth and the Sun.
So, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in its new moon phase and its orbit around the Earth takes it to find itself straight line with the Sun and the Earth.
It is important to note that solar eclipses They do not occur at every new moon because the orbit of our natural satellite is slightly inclined compared to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
Therefore, most of the time, the Moon passes above or below the Sun rather than passing directly in front of it.
Total solar eclipse of April 2024: how many types of solar eclipse exist
to exist three different types of solar eclipseswhich depend on the distance at which the Moon and the Sun are located.
Taken together they can last a few hoursbut the maximum point usually does not exceed eight minutes.
There are three different types of solar eclipse. Photo: ShutterstockTotal solar eclipse: It occurs when the three stars – the Sun, the Moon (whose orbital plane does not coincide with that of our planet) and the Earth – align perfectly and the Moon completely hides the Sun’s disk. It occurs approximately every 18 months in some part of the Earth.
Partial solar eclipse: It occurs when the Moon does not completely cover the Sun and occurs at least twice a year even in some regions of the planet. A bright crescent moon appears.
Annular Solar Eclipse or “Ring of Fire”: It occurs when the Moon is close to apogee and its angular diameter is smaller than the solar diameter, so much so that a ring of the solar disk remains visible in the maximum phase.
Total solar eclipse of April 2024: how to observe it safely
It is not safe to look directly at the Sun during an eclipse without it eye protection specialized and appropriate. So much so that it can cause serious eye injuries.
Specialized eye protection is required to observe the eclipse. Photo: AFP/FileThe eclipse must be viewed through safe sunglasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a portable solar visor that is always safe. It must be taken into account that these are not the sunglasses we use every day.
It’s always a good idea to check these eclipse glasses or portable viewer before using them; rushed broken, scratched or damaged you don’t have to use it.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.