Solar Eclipse 2024: 6 Keys to Understanding the Biggest Astronomical Event of the Year

The Total solar eclipses They are truly impressive astronomical phenomena. For a few minutes, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the path of light emitted by the central star of our planetary system. As a result, it occurs Day suddenly turns into night. The visual effects they create are irresistible and a sight for anyone who can see it. Additionally, it allows astronomers to conduct experiments and observations related to Astro King's behavior.

will do For more than 100 yearsOne of these types of eclipses has been confirmed for the first time Theory of Relativity By Albert Einstein. Astronomers were able to observe the stars during the day, something that would not have been possible without the darkness provided by the moon. They concluded through calculations The light of the stars is bent Around the sun, its position during the day is different from the actual position.

It proved that space and time are interconnected, as proposed by the German-born physicist. The fabric that makes up the universeAnd that gravity is the result of the bending of tissue caused by a massive body like the Sun in this case.

In the next few hours, one of these events will occur and will be particularly visible in North America Mexico, America And Canada. There are many reasons why this phenomenon is important, and many keys to understanding and fully enjoying it in the few minutes it lasts.

It is a Total eclipse It means that the moon is at the point of its elliptical orbit very close For Earth, it covers the Sun completely, allowing its outer layer to be exposed.”crown”. Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field changes and creates cycles of high and low activity of the star. Currently, Its intensity is almost maximum. Thanks to the obstruction caused by the Earth's satellite, solar processes can be seen in all their glory.

Scientists will take advantage of this phenomenon studies And Experiments. In a conversation with Infobae, Bea Gallardo-Lacourt, space physicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center, some of these “will allow us to learn how the solar corona works, how the Sun's magnetic field changes, how its mass changes and how the Sun changes. Earth's atmosphere during this astronomical event. “We can study changes in the Earth's atmosphere in its different layers.”

There are differences between the possible types of eclipses Moon's position relative to Earth and Sun. In one case Partial eclipse, the Moon covers only part of the Sun with its dark shadow, its penumbra. Type cancel It occurs when the satellite is fully aligned with the Earth and the Sun, but, unlike what happens in a total solar eclipse, it distant point In relation to the planet. Because of this, the Moon obscures the star with its dark shadow, the umbra, which is a “Ring of Fire” around it. In both cases the light emitted by the star is reduced, but the same dark effect as a total eclipse is not achieved.

It was the first moment of eclipse It will be seen on the planet at 4:38 PM GMT (1:38 PM Argentina time). and last at 7:55pm GMT (6:55pm Argentina time). In total, the event will last 3 hours, 16 minutes and 45 seconds, during which time a path of approximately 185 kilometers will be created, crossing three countries in North America.

From the beach Mazatlán, Mexico, through 15 states of the United States, until reaching Canada, more precisely the city of Montreal. 50 million people will focus on the sky, as this cosmic spectacle usually takes place in the far corners of the planet, but in this case it will travel in a northeasterly direction, passing densely populated areas, starting in the interior of Mexico and leaving Newfoundland at 19:43 UTC (17:13 local time). South and east of the United States and southeastern Canada.

“This total solar eclipse means that 100% of the Sun's light will be covered by the Moon, which will pass between our planet and the star., reveals his crown. “This event will give us the opportunity to see our closest star, the Sun, in very unique detail,” he explained. Infobae Bea Gallardo-Lacourt.

The shadow cast by the Moon on Earth covers only a strip called “”.The path of perfection”. Passers-by can observe the Moon completely covering the Sun.If the observer's distance from that area is short, they can see it. Partial solar eclipse. But the further away you are, the more surprising the phenomenon you will see.

As already stated, only countries will experience this eclipse at its peak Mexico, America And Canada and its citizens between 16:38 GMT (1:38 p.m. Argentina time) and 19:55 GMT (18:55 Argentina time) You can extend this astronomical event to approx 185 km wide.

A total solar eclipse lasts a very long time 4 minutes 28 seconds Starts at 17:15 GMT (14:15 Argentina time) over the Mexican city of Nassau. On the other hand, short is gross 2 minutes and 6 seconds South of Starbuck Island in the Pacific Ocean.

These differences occur because the Moon is at different distances from Earth depending on the moment due to the planet's spherical shape and the satellite's orbit. For the same reason, maximum coverage points can only be found on the path of totality.

A sudden night was felt when the moon completely covered the sun Ultraviolet rays and infrared It should be taken into account that the emitting stars do not reach the Earth, and that is why these radiations can occur. Irreversible damage For the eyes. An example Solar retinaInjury caused by exposure of the naked eye to the sun.

Normally the intensity of sunlight does not permit staring long enough to cause these types of conditions, but as its luminosity decreases the staring becomes more tolerable, which is why Don't do it Because it causes a Loss of central vision, among other incurable complications. Experts recommend using specially designed safety glasses Filter Ultraviolet and infrared rays in accordance with ISO 12312-2 regulations. Attempting to observe the eclipse through binoculars or cameras is not recommended unless the necessary light and radiation filters are present.

If the eclipse cannot be seen from countries covering the complete path, the Pot They will broadcast an astronomical event live People all over the world can enjoy it from 17 GMT (14 Argentina time).

In that way, although not directly observable, the Eclipse It will begin in Argentina and Chile in part at 12:42; 10:42 at Columbia; 09:42 in Mexico; 11:42 in Miami and New York; 17:42 in Spain. And it will reach totality in Argentina and Chile at 3:17 p.m.; 13:17 at Columbia; 12:17 in Mexico: 14:17 in Miami and New York; 20:17 in Spain and can be observed together with a specialist PotIn this connection.

Astronomers not only predicted this solar eclipse, but You already know when the next one is. The accuracy of the date and type of eclipse determined by the scientists is possible Orbital calculations Moon and Earth. It also helps to know when they will be Lunar eclipses, in which, unlike the solar planets, the planet eclipses the Moon. This is because the shadows that result from the paths of objects in the solar system are also predictable.

Within this framework, The next solar eclipseIt is ringed, visible from the south of Argentina October 2nd This year. Its “regional block” will be associated with the path of totality, a strip that crosses southern Chile and part of Santa Cruz province, but is partially visible throughout the country.