Throughout 2024, four eclipses will occur: two solar (one of them total) and the rest lunar, to the delight of fans of astronomical events.According to the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the entire American continent will be able to observe a penumbral lunar eclipse on March 25.Experts explain that during this astronomical phenomenon the Moon passes through the Earth’s penumbra, that is, the outer and weak part of the shadow generated by the planet, while the star darkens so slightly that it can be difficult to perceive its occultation from the Sun. The following month, specifically on April 8, a total solar eclipse can be observed, which occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the star and darkening the sky as if it were dawn or dusk. For just four minutes it will be visible only in North America, a region where it will begin its transition in the South Pacific Ocean and cross Mexico, the United States and Canada.On September 18, the second lunar phenomenon of the year will be seen, which will be partial, since only part of the satellite will be hidden by the Earth’s shadow.In partial eclipses, the shadow on the Moon appears to grow from the observer’s perspective and then recede, without covering all of the space.This event will last just over an hour and will be visible in America, Africa and Europe.Finally, on October 2, an annular solar eclipse will take place that can be seen for seven minutes from Chile and Argentina, and partially in Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Antarctica.This happens when the Moon aligns between the Sun and the farthest point of distance from the Earth.Because of this separation, the satellite appears smaller from Earth’s perspective, so it does not block the full view of the star.During the October event, the Moon will be seen as a dark disk on top of a larger bright disk, the Sun. In this way, a “ring of fire” will be perceived around the satellite.NASA experts warn that except during the brief phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the bright side of the Sun, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.Viewing any part of the bright Sun through the lens of a camera, binoculars or telescope without a special solar filter secured to the front of the optics will instantly cause serious eye injuries.When observing the partial phases of the solar eclipse directly with your eyes, which occurs before and after totality, you should look through safe solar glasses or a safe portable solar viewer at all times.
Source: Radio Rebelde
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