Eclipses are captivating astronomical phenomena that occur when the alignment of celestial bodies results in one object obscuring another, either partially or entirely. This article explores the two main types of eclipses – lunar and solar – and delves into the scientific principles behind them. It also examines the recent eclipse event in April, highlighting its unique characteristics compared to past occurences.
What is an Eclipse?
NASA considers an eclipse to be when a heavenly body, such as a planet, star, or nebula, moves into the shadow of another. There are two types of eclipses: lunar and solar. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun. The Moon blocks light from the Sun and casts a shadow on Earth. Lunar eclipses can either be Total or Partial. On the other hand, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun. Solar eclipses can either be Total, Partial, or even Annular.
The 2024 Solar Eclipse
The total eclipse in April serves as a recent example of this celestial phenomenon. This eclipse offered some unique characteristics compared to previous events.
Wider Path of Totality
The path of totality, the region of Earth where the Moon entirely covers the Sun, was significantly wider in 2024 compared to the 2017 eclipse, encompassing a larger geographical area.
Increased Visibility
The wider path resulted in the eclipse being observable by a larger population, with an estimated 31.6 million residents residing within the path of totality ocmpared to 12 million in 2017.
Extended Totality Duration
The 2024 eclipse offered a longer period of totality, lasting approximately 4 minutes and 28 seconds, compared to 2 minutes and 42 seconds in 2017.
Heightened Solar Activity
The 2024 eclipse coincided with a period of heightened solar activity, with the Sun approaching solar maximum. This potentially increased the visibility of solar prominences and coronal streamers during totality.
What was the perspective from Atlanta, Georgia?
Atlanta experienced ~82% of the eclipse’s totality with the peak viewing time at 3:04 PM.
Many Georgia Tech students were outside to view the solar eclipse (including myself). Not many people had access to eclipse glasses, but those who did shared them with people around them. Some students also used a colander to view the eclipse indirectly.
We had students travel to see the eclipse as well. 50 of GT’s Astronomy Club traveled to Ozarks, Missouri on April 7 – 9 to see the eclipse in the path of totality.
Viewing the Eclilpse Safely
You can’t look directly at an eclipse because the concentrated solar rays will burn through any other filter (camera lens, telescope, binoculars) and cause serious eye energy. Your pupils are more dilated as the eclipse occurs, allowing more harmful rays to enter your eyes than on a normal sunny day.
If you decide to view an eclipse without safety gear, you risk the following:
- Acute solar retinopathy (eye retina is severly damaged by looking straight at the Sun)
- Blurry Vision
- Headache
- Blind Spot
- Increased Sensitivity to Light
- Distorted Vision
- Dyschromatopsia
If you would like to view the eclipse safely, use safe solar viewing glasses or safe handheld solar viewers. To verify that you have the appropriate safety gear, make sure it complays with the ISO 1231202 international standard.
When’s the next eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse is on August 23, 2044. The next total lunar eclipse will be on Marh 14, 2025. Remember, make sure you keep your eyes safe when you’re looking at these amazing scientific phenomenons!
References
“Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse.” NASA, n.d., https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/
“What is an eclipse?” The European Space Agency, n.d., https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/What_is_an_eclipse
“Why is a solar eclipse dangerous to look at without proper eyewear? What to know.” NBC Chicago, April 8, 2024, https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/why-is-a-solar-eclipse-dangerous-to-look-at-without-proper-eyewear-what-to-know/3404331/
Bressler, Neil M. “Safely Viewing a Solar Eclipse.” JAMA Ophthalmology, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.0401.
Fulco, Charles. “Eclipses and Eye Safety: Dispelling Myths about Viewing Eclipses.” Science and Children, vol. 54, no. 7, 2017, pp. 58–61.
Interrante, Abbey. “How the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Is Different than the 2017 Eclipse.” NASA, Jan 30, 2024, https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/how-is-the-2024-total-solar-eclipse-different-than-the-2017-eclipse/
