Approximately every year and a half a solar eclipse takes place on Earth, and its visibility usually occurs only in remote areas of the planet.
The next total solar eclipse that we will see in the peninsula will be in 2026.
However, to enjoy the event, it is important to do so with some security measures.
The only safe way to look directly at the uncovered or partially eclipsed Sun is through approved solar filters designed for that purpose, such as eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. Contrary to what we may think, homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe to look at the Sun.
As the astronomer Martin Pawley, from the Coruñesa Ío Astronomical Association , explains: “Homemade tricks are not valid and, of course, neither are sunglasses , because in the best of cases these tools reduce a little the visible brightness of the star but they are transparent to other forms of radiation, with which the danger remains, even increased by the false sense of security that they transmit. “
The only safe time to look at the total eclipse with your naked eyes will be during the brief period of total darkness, which will last approximately two minutes , depending on the location, and only from the United States.
Many researchers and citizens will take this unique opportunity to study our Sun, the Solar System and the Earth in rare circumstances like this. The sudden blocking of the Sun during an eclipse reduces the light and changes the temperature on the ground, creating conditions that can affect local weather and animal behavior.
Understanding the Sun has always been a priority for space scientists. These scientists study how the Sun affects space and space, the environment of the planets. As a source of light and heat for life on Earth, scientists want to understand how our Sun works , why it changes, and how these changes influence life on Earth. The constant flow of solar material and radiation can affect spacecraft, communications systems and astronauts in orbit.
The NASA spacecraft that will capture the event: NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which will rotate toward Earth to track the moon’s shadow on our planet; an observer from the spacecraft, who can observe the moon’s shadow and measure how it affects Earth’s weather; and a solar observation fleet of spacecraft.
References:
NASA Prepares for Aug. 21 Total Solar Eclipse with Live Coverage, Safety Information.
Image: Heavens Above.
