Solar eclipses: interesting facts. Solar eclipse as a natural phenomenon Once in how many years a solar eclipse occurs
In ancient times, a solar eclipse was perceived with horror and admiration at the same time. In our time, when the reasons for this phenomenon became known, people's feelings practically did not change. Some await him impatiently in the hope of observing this majestic phenomenon, others with some concern and anxiety. I wonder if there will be a solar eclipse in 2018 in Russia?
A little about the cause and types of solar eclipse
In our age of enlightenment, even a schoolchild knows why the sun is eclipsed. For those who have forgotten the essence of what is happening, we remind you that a solar eclipse occurs due to the closure of the solar disk by the Moon. The overlap can be complete or partial. Such an event can occur on a full moon and not for long. The maximum time for a solar eclipse is barely 7.5 minutes. It happens:
- complete when the lunar disk completely overlaps the Sun for human sight on Earth;
- private when the Moon partially covers the Sun;
- annular- at this time the disk of the Moon completely overlaps the disk of the Sun, but the rays of our star are visible at the edges of the lunar disk.
The last type of eclipse is the most beautiful for all lovers of unusual natural phenomena and the most interesting from the point of view of astrologers and experts in astronomical science. An annular eclipse is very rare and therefore eagerly awaited. Only a small ring of light remains in the sky for a few minutes.
When will there be a solar eclipse in 2018
Next year there will be only three such natural phenomena. Moreover, only one of them can be observed on the territory of Russia. It is not surprising that Russians are already interested in what time and where there will be a solar eclipse in the Russian Federation, since in order to observe this beautiful event, which does not last long, you need to know the exact time. This table gives a complete picture of the upcoming events in 2018:
date and time | Where there will be a solar eclipse |
02/15/18 at 23-52 pm | A partial eclipse can be seen in southern South America and Antarctica. |
07/13/18 at 06-02 m. | A partial eclipse will be observed in Antarctica, on the extreme southern coast of Australia, in Tasmania and in the Indian Ocean in the region of Australia and Antarctica. |
08/11/18 at 12-47 pm | A partial eclipse will be seen by residents of Greenland, Canada, Scandinavian countries, northern and central Russia, Siberia and the Far East, northeastern Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia. |
Impact on all living things
Solar eclipses do not pass without leaving a trace for all living organisms on our planet. Almost all animals become restless and try to hide. The birds stop chirping and singing. The flora and that leads as if night had come. The human body is also going through hard times. Negative processes begin about two weeks before the onset of the eclipse. The same period continues after a natural phenomenon. Persons suffering from cardiovascular diseases and hypertensive patients are especially affected. Elderly people are also exposed to severe stress. They have exacerbated chronic diseases and a feeling of anxiety. People with a weak mentality may become depressed or act rashly. Even healthy people become irritable and prone to showdown. Signing serious financial or legal documents is not recommended these days. Businessmen should not enter into business agreements and contracts.
Scientists find no explanation for such changes in the human body. Astrologers who have been observing the influence of planets on a person for a long time do not advise planning anything these days. They recommend taking care of your inner world or reading a book, or listening to calm relaxing music. The ministers of the church generally advise to pray.
At the same time, life does not stand still these days. Someone dies, others are born. Astrological experts have long noticed that children born on the days of eclipses tend to become extraordinary personalities. Very often nature rewards them with great talent.
Caveats
According to astrologers, all solar eclipses are cyclical. The cycle lasts 18.5 years. Everything that happens to you on the days of eclipses continues for the next eighteen and a half years. In this regard, on these critical days it is not recommended:
- starting something new;
- undergo surgical intervention;
- quarrel, get angry and irritated over trifles.
What you can do on critical days
In the days of solar eclipses in 2018, it is better to say goodbye to the past once and for all. You need to cleanse your home of rubbish and old things and let in new energy to transform your life. You can go on a diet if you decide to become slim and beautiful. It is recommended to cleanse your body and forget about bad habits. Some psychics advise you to sort out your thoughts, "put everything on the shelves" and outline plans for the future. At the same time, you must clearly imagine your dream and imagine that it has practically already come true. If everything is done intelligently and correctly, it will give a huge impetus to the implementation of the most incredible decisions. The only thing that needs to be noted is that dreams should be realistically achievable, not transcendental.
And yet, do not despair if you did not manage to see this miracle of nature. Eclipses will still be in your life, and more than one. The next eclipse, which we will see on the territory of Russia, will take place on 08/12/26.
- The longest eclipse in this century was the phenomenon that took place on July 22, 2009.
- The speed of the shadow of our satellite on the surface of our planet during an eclipse is about 2 thousand meters per second.
- The eclipse of the Sun is so beautiful because of an interesting coincidence: the diameter of the planet is four hundred times the lunar and at the same time the distance to the satellite is four hundred times less than to our star. In this regard, only on Earth can a total eclipse be seen.
A solar eclipse is accompanied by total, annular or partial (partial) closure of the Sun's surface by the Moon, which is well observed from planet Earth. Knowing when the next solar eclipse will be, you can personally see this unusual astronomical phenomenon.
When is the next eclipse of the Sun
Partial solar eclipse was promised by scientists on August 11, 2018. Earthlings will be able to witness a unique phenomenon that will be observed in almost all European countries, in Asia and in many Russian cities at 9:47 GMT and 12:47 Moscow time.
The next solar eclipse can be observed in Russia
A total eclipse of the Sun will be observed on the territory of our country on August 12, 2026. It is on this day that the eclipse will begin from the northeastern part of the Taimyr Peninsula, after which it will pass through the territory of the Arctic Ocean and Greenland.
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Then the astronomical phenomenon can be observed in Iceland and Spain. It will be the forty-eighth eclipse of 126 Saros, and its areas of best visibility are represented by the circumpolar and mid-latitudes of the northern part of the globe. The cone of the lunar shadow will intersect the earth's surface, which will allow it to completely cover the Sun.
During a total eclipse, a "crown" of the Sun's rays is formed around the Moon
The nearest annular eclipses of the Sun 121 and 131 of Saros can be observed on February 17, 2026 and February 6, 2027, respectively. The best visibility of this phenomenon will be in the middle latitudes and subtropics in the southern hemisphere.
Annular or annular solar eclipses are the most interesting from an astronomical point of view. During such a period, the Moon finds itself on the Sun, leaving only its edges visible, due to which the so-called corona of sunlight breaks through against the background of a total eclipse. This phenomenon is observed when the Moon is located at a considerable distance from our planet.
Find out also when there will be the next lunar eclipse:.
An annular solar eclipse is one of the most interesting for both ordinary observers and for science
The eclipse of the Sun refers to a unique and rather rare astronomical phenomenon that is observed when the Moon covers the surface of the solar disk. Not everyone succeeds in seeing such an incredible sight, but those who are lucky enough to observe the eclipse, deservedly call it fantastic and extraordinary.
In ancient times, a solar eclipse caused panic and superstitious fear in our ancestors. Many peoples believed that it acts as an omen of some kind of misfortune or is the wrath of the gods.
Nowadays, science has sufficient capabilities to explain the essence of this astronomical miracle and identify the reasons for its origin. What is an eclipse of the sun? Why is it happening?
A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the moon covers the sun's disk from viewers. If the Sun hides completely, then it becomes dark on our planet, and stars can be seen in the sky.
At this moment, the air temperature drops slightly, animals begin to show anxiety, individual plants fold foliage, birds stop singing, frightened by the unexpected darkness.
Eclipses of the Sun are always recorded during the new moon, when the side of the Moon facing our planet is not illuminated by sunlight. Due to this, there is a feeling as if a black spot appears on the Sun.
Since the Moon has a smaller diameter than the Earth, eclipses can be seen only in certain places on the planet, and the dark strip does not exceed 200 km in width. The full phase of darkness lasts no more than a few minutes, after which the Sun in its natural rhythm.
How does a solar eclipse happen?
An eclipse of the Sun is a unique and rather rare phenomenon. Despite the fact that the solar diameter is hundreds of times larger than the diametrical indicators of the Moon, from the earth's surface it seems that both celestial bodies are approximately the same size. This is due to the fact that the Sun is 400 times farther from our satellite.
At certain times, the lunar disk looks larger than the sun, as a result of which it covers the star. Moments like this happen when a new moon occurs near what are known as lunar nodes - the points at which the lunar and solar orbits intersect.
For astronauts on the space station, an eclipse looks like a lunar shadow falling on certain areas of the Earth's surface. It resembles a converging cone and moves around the planet at a speed of about 1 kilometer per second.
From the globe, the Sun appears as a black spot around which a corona appears - the luminous layers of the solar atmosphere, invisible to the eye under standard conditions.
What are the types of solar eclipses?
In accordance with the astronomical classification, total and partial eclipses are distinguished. In the case of complete blackout, the Moon covers the entire Sun, and people observing the phenomenon fall into a strip of moon shadow.
If we talk about partial eclipses, then in such a situation not in the center of the solar disk, but along one of its edges, while observers stand aside from the shaded strip - at a distance of up to 2000 km. At the same time, the sky does not darken so much, the stars are practically invisible.
In addition to partial and total, eclipses can be annular. A similar phenomenon occurs when the lunar shadow does not reach the earth's surface. Viewers can see how the Moon crosses the center of the Sun, but the lunar disk seems smaller than the solar one and does not completely cover it.
Interestingly, the same eclipse in different parts of the planet can look like annular or total. A hybrid eclipse is considered quite rare, in which the edges of the solar disk are visible around our satellite, but the sky remains bright, without stars and a crown.
How often do solar eclipses occur?
In some places of the planet, this miracle can be seen quite often, in others it is extremely rare. On average, from two to five eclipses occur annually on the globe.
All of them are calculated in advance, therefore astronomers carefully prepare for each phenomenon, and special expeditions are equipped to places where eclipses are expected. Every hundred years, the Moon covers the Sun on average 237 times, with most of the eclipses being private.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth stand in a straight line, astronomers call this phenomenon syzygy. During an eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth, and from the point of view of an earthly observer, the Moon obscures (eclipses) the Sun, partially or completely. Such a celestial phenomenon can only happen during the new moon.
However, solar eclipses do not occur on every new moon, because the Moon's orbit is tilted at an angle of 5 degrees to the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun (the ecliptic). The points where the two orbits intersect are called lunar nodes, and eclipses of the Sun occur when a new moon occurs near the lunar node. The sun must be close to the node, then it can form a perfect or near-perfect straight line with the Moon and the Earth. This period happens twice a year and lasts an average of 34.5 days - the so-called "corridor of eclipses".
How many solar eclipses per year?
In one calendar year, there can be from two to five solar eclipses, but most often two (once every six months). Five eclipses in one year is a rare occurrence, the last time it happened in 1935, and the next time will be in 2206.
Types of solar eclipses
According to the astronomical classification, they can be of different types: complete, annular and partial. In the photo below, you can see their differences. There is also a rare hybrid form, where the eclipse starts as annular and ends as total.
Myths and legends about solar eclipses
Throughout the history of mankind, myths, legends and superstitions have been associated with them. In ancient times, they caused fear, they were considered as unkind omens that entail disaster and destruction. Therefore, many peoples had a custom to carry out magical rituals in order to ward off possible troubles.
Ancient people tried to understand why the heavenly body sometimes disappears from the sky, so they came up with various explanations for this phenomenon. This is how myths and legends arose:
In ancient India, it was believed that the monstrous dragon Rahu periodically devours the Sun. According to Indian mythology, Rahu kidnapped and tried to drink the drink of the gods - ambrosia, for which he was beheaded. His head flew into the sky and swallowed the disk of the sun, so darkness fell.
In Vietnam, people believed that the sun was devoured by a giant frog, while the Vikings believed that it was eaten by wolves.
There is a legend in Korean folklore about mythical dogs who wanted to steal the Sun.
In ancient Chinese myth, the heavenly dragon ate the sun for lunch.
To get rid of the gluttonous demon, many ancient peoples during a solar eclipse had a custom to gather, beat pots and pans, making a loud noise. It was believed that the noise will scare away the demon, and he will return the heavenly body to its place.
The ancient Greeks viewed the eclipse as a manifestation of the wrath of the gods and were convinced that natural disasters and wars should follow.
In ancient China, these celestial phenomena were associated with the success and health of the emperor and did not foretell that he would be exposed to any danger.
In Babylon, they believed that eclipses of the Sun were a bad sign for a ruler. But the Babylonians skillfully knew how to predict them, and in order to protect the reigning person, a deputy was chosen for a certain period. He occupied the royal throne and received honors, but his reign did not last long. This was done only so that the temporary king would take upon himself the wrath of the gods, and not the real ruler of the country.
Modern beliefs
The fear of solar eclipses has survived to this day, and even in our time, many consider them a bad sign. In some countries, there is a belief that they are dangerous to children and pregnant women, so they need to stay indoors during an eclipse and not look at the sky.
In many parts of India, people fast on the day of the eclipse because of the belief that any food cooked will be unclean.
But popular beliefs do not always attribute bad fame to them. For example, in Italy it is believed that flowers planted during a solar eclipse will be brighter and more beautiful than flowers planted on any other day.
On Friday, July 27, a unique event will take place - the longest lunar eclipse of the century, which can be observed in almost all corners of the globe. The Earth will completely eclipse the Moon by one hour and 43 minutes, Day.Az reports with reference to Today.
At this time, people will be able to observe the "bloody moon" - the Earth's satellite will turn red.
What is a lunar eclipse and "blood moon"
The "bloody" moon is called during an eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow over its satellite. Unlike a solar eclipse, where the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun blocking sunlight, the Moon does not “darken” during an eclipse, but instead turns blood red.
This effect occurs due to the fact that the sun's rays, passing through the Earth's atmosphere, reach the Moon. Because blue and purple waves scatter more than red and orange, more red waves reach the moon, making it "bloody".
How often does a lunar eclipse occur?
Lunar eclipses are less common than solar eclipses - no more than three per year, which can be observed in a particular place, although in some years they may not be at all. However, each lunar eclipse can be observed from more than half of the globe.
The excitement around the eclipse on July 27 is due to the fact that it will last for a long time. The moon will be in the shadow of the Earth for four hours and will be completely eclipsed by one hour and 43 minutes. This just falls short of the theoretical limit of a lunar eclipse (one hour and 47 minutes). The eclipse will last that long on Friday night because the moon will pass through the center of Earth's shadow.
Where and when can you see a lunar eclipse?
The eclipse will be best seen in the Middle East, eastern Africa, India and western China. Also, the eclipse can be seen while in the rest of Africa, Europe, other parts of Asia, Australia, eastern South America.
In Ukraine, the phase of a total lunar eclipse will occur on July 27 at 23:21 (20:21 GMT).
In India, the total eclipse will begin at 1 am on July 28, and will end at 2:43 am.
In Australia, the moon will begin to turn red at 4:30 am on Saturday morning, with a total eclipse occurring between 5:30 and 6:30 am.
In the UK, a partial eclipse will begin at 20:30, a total eclipse will occur between 21:20 and 22:13.
In East Africa, a partial eclipse will begin at 21:30, with a "blood moon" visible between 22:30 pm and 00:13. This region will have the best eclipse view.
What is the best way to look at the "Blood Moon"
It is best to get out of the city, away from lights and lights. In the city, the contrast between the moon and the sky will not be so bright. Unlike a solar eclipse, it is absolutely safe to look at the "bloody moon". You do not need a telescope for observations, but it will not be superfluous to stock up on binoculars.