The first solar eclipse of the year
SKY-GAZERS across North America were in for a treat when a rare total solar eclipse swept over Mexico, the United States and Canada on 8 April. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon lies exactly between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun and leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes.
This astrological event happens once every 18 months. However, a particular place on Earth experiences a total solar eclipse once every 360 years.
Although it is fascinating for people to observe, the solar eclipse makes many animals feel confused. Nocturnal creatures such as owls, mice and jaguars wake up because they think it’s night.
Unlike during a lunar eclipse, people had to view the solar eclipse through special glasses because the sun’s ultraviolet rays can permanently damage your eyes or even lead to blindness. While the complete eclipse lasted about two and a half hours from beginning to end, the longest period people were in total darkness was four minutes. In some places, it was as short as two minutes.
The next solar eclipse will take place in October this year and will be visible over parts of the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile and southern Argentina.
South Africans will have to wait a little longer for this dazzling celestial event – the next total solar eclipse visible to us will occur in November 2030.
Why scientists study solar eclipses
Studying eclipses offers valuable data for testing theories and models related to astronomy, physics and planetary science. It also helps improve our understanding of Earth’s atmosphere, space weather and the interactions between the sun, moon and Earth.
During the recent total solar eclipse, American space agency Nasa launched three rockets to study how Earth’s upper atmosphere is affected when sunlight momentarily dims over a portion of the planet. This helps them see the impact of the sudden darkness on communication systems.
They also asked people to take photos of the sun’s outline during the eclipse, which they will now analyse.