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Solar Eclipse in Latin America
On Tuesday, July 2, there will be a solar eclipse that can be seen from South America.
In this note we will teach you everything you need to know about Solar Eclipses, types of Solar Eclipses, tips to observe them, etc.
What is a solar eclipse that will be seen in Latin America
Understanding the Solar Eclipse is very simple, it occurs when the moon coincides perfectly aligned between the Earth and the Sun, thus obscuring its brightness. This only happens during the new moon.
Types of Solar Eclipse
There are three types of Solar Eclipse, we will explain them to you below.
Partial: The word tells us. Partial Solar Eclipse occurs when the moon only covers a part (small or large) of the sun. This type of Eclipse allows us to see something like a very bright crescent.
Total: This type of Eclipse only occurs in some places. The Total Solar Eclipse owes its name to the fact that it occurs when the Moon can completely hide (eclipse) the Sun. It only occurs in certain places because while for example in Argentina we can see a totally eclipsed sun, perhaps in Brazil we will see a partial Eclipse due to the different angle of how we see it.
Annular: This eclipse is the most colorful without a doubt. The Lunar Eclipse from the aesthetic point of view is the most aesthetic, but it is also the least common. This type of Eclipse occurs when the Moon can be perfectly aligned between the Moon and the Sun (like the Total Eclipse) but this time the angular diameter of the Moon is less than that of the Sun. The sun, being larger, will generate a kind of bright ring around the moon, creating a very aesthetic visual spectacle.
Some data: For an Eclipse (solar or lunar) to occur at the same point on earth, an average of between 200 and 300 years must pass. In addition, at least 2 Eclipses will always occur per year and this number can increase to more or less 5 if the first Eclipse of the year occurs at the beginning of the year.
Recommendations to see the solar eclipse in Latin America
This beautiful phenomenon of universal nature is colorful, there are no doubts, but it can be very dangerous if we are not careful. Looking directly at the sun for a short period of time can severely damage your eyesight. Although in a Solar Eclipse the sun is partially blocked, it is still very dangerous. Here are some tips on how to watch the Eclipse without dying trying.
Solar Filters
With solar filters we refer to any object that allows us to turn off the effect that the sun causes in our eyes. A good example can be a welding mask number 14, the glass that these masks have is very effective. We can also buy special glasses to see Eclipses that are certified and approved. You should know that although these objects are made or used to watch the Eclipse, it is never recommended to watch it for more than a few seconds. In addition, we strongly recommend that you do not try to look at the Eclipse if it is not with one of these objects, many people in their ignorance, for example, take an X-ray (because it is a material that obscures light) and believe that with this they will be safe, greasy mistake.
Indirect Observation
Not many know this type of observation but it is the safest. Indirect observation, as its name says, is about looking at the Eclipse without looking at it directly. How is it possible? Easy.
Binoculars: We can take binoculars and cover one of their lenses, allowing light to be projected through the other lens and we can see it reflected on some surface. Never look directly through the lens.
Hole: This method can work with a simple piece of cardboard. We open a hole in the center of the cardboard and the solar eclipse will be reflected on the surface where we point it. This method simulates an image projector.
Telescope: Like binoculars, we will let the eclipse light pass through the lens and it will be projected on the surface that we prefer. Using low magnification lenses will improve the image. Never look directly through the lens.
Telephone: This method is the simplest and the one that we can all do. With our back to the Eclipse, we turn on the front camera of our cell phone and through the screen we can see the Eclipse without any risk.
Attention: YOU SHOULD NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE ECLIPSE WITHOUT PROTECTION, THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE EYE.
Solar Eclipse of July 2, 2019
This eclipse can be seen in its greatest splendor at specific points in Argentina and Chile. The Eclipse will occur at approximately 4:30 p.m. and will last about 5 minutes.
Route
The Eclipse will cross Chile and Argentina but can only be seen in its entirety in La Serena, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina. In these specific places there will be an eclipse of 100% of the totality of the sun, absolute darkness.
