Almost at the end of the year we ran into the only total solar eclipse of 2020 . When the Moon casts its shadow on Earth, it will completely block the sunlight, so all those observers within the path of totality will have a spectacular view of the Sun’s corona (provided the weather permits, of course). And it is that, during the eclipse, the moon crosses and covers the entire body of our star except for its outermost layer, the solar corona.
A solar ‘bite’
The Moon will cover the solar disk for about 2 minutes and 10 seconds . Of course, from Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay and Antarctica it will look like a partial eclipse , as if the Moon took a “bite” of the Sun. The last place to see the total eclipse before it moves away of this continent and on the Atlantic Ocean will be Salina del Eje, Argentina.
The only areas of the planet where it will be visible will be the Pacific Ocean, South America, Antarctica and the Atlantic Ocean. For the rest of the places where there is no luck to contemplate it directly, we can always contemplate it on the internet, since it will be broadcast live from many websites , among others, the YouTube channel of NASA or the Institute of Astrophysics in Chile. A program in Spanish will also be broadcast on NASA Television and the public channel on the agency’s website.
What time does the eclipse start?
The total solar eclipse will begin at 14:32 UTC , cross the Pacific before reaching South America, and end at 17:54 UTC in the Atlantic.
Precautions
Remember that if we have the fortunate opportunity to contemplate the solar eclipse live, whether we are in South America or Antarctica, we must remember that we will have to contemplate it with a solar visor or use solar glasses (never sunglasses! !, we need suitable filters for it); never look directly at the Sun, because the safety of our eyes comes first. If you want to observe this celestial spectacle safely, make sure that the device you use to contemplate the eclipse has an ISO 12312-2 seal and the contact details of the manufacturer. The danger to our eyes is serious and we must not underestimate it. As tempting as it is, don’t risk your vision.
A relatively rare event
The most recent solar eclipse we were able to enjoy on June 21, 2020, although it was an annular eclipse, or “ring of fire”, which did not completely block the sun, but dazzled viewers in parts of Africa and Asia. The last total solar eclipse occurred on July 2, 2019 and, like the next total eclipse, it also occurred in South America. The last time we saw a total solar eclipse was in 2019. For the next one, we will have to wait until December 4, 2021, which will be visible especially from Antarctica. In 2022 there will be none, and the next one will take place in April 2023, visible from Indonesia and Australia, above all.
As a curiosity, taking into account that it will seem that it is dark, the animals and plants that witness the total eclipse, will think that it has been done at night and will act accordingly.
