Small Scopes

Solar eclipse coming soon - for the lucky ones

Amateur and professional astronomers from around the world will soon be congregating in parts of Brazil, Africa, and western Asia, to view a total eclipse of the sun that will take place on Wednesday, March 29. Without a question of doubt, a total eclipse of the sun is one of the most spectacular natural sights that one can witness.

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Contrary to popular belief, a total eclipse of the sun is not a rare or unusual spectacle.

In fact, over the past 25 years there have been no fewer than sixteen total solar eclipses, an average of one roughly every 18 months. The regions from where the spectacular sight of a totally eclipsed sun can be seen, however, are strictly confined to a narrow track; the path that the dark central shadow of the moon (called the "umbra") traces out over the Earth's surface. That track may run for thousands of miles, yet may average less than a hundred miles in width. So while the dark lunar shadow might sweep over the Earth twice over a span of just three years, for a specific geographical location, the odds of lying directly in the path of that shadow is very small.

So, if you intend to wait for this, the greatest of celestial road shows to come to your hometown, your wait is likely to be (on average) about 400 years. That is why many dedicated eclipse watchers – sometimes referred to as "umbraphiles" – will literally chase total solar eclipses around the globe. All for the privilege of "basking in the moon's shadow" for a few precious minutes

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posted by Tako John @ 10:15 PM