When an eclipse of the sun is expected. Where to watch the coming solar eclipses

> Solar eclipse

What solar eclipse: characteristic of the phenomenon, time, formation scheme, calendar of solar eclipses, total, quotient, annular with a photo, how to observe.

Occurs when the Moon, projecting its disk onto the Sun, completely or partially blocks the flow of sunlight directed towards the Earth. This event occurs only in the New Moon phase, when the side of the Moon facing us is not illuminated. It is important to note that, just like the phases of the Moon, the Sun has a scheme and phases of an eclipse (types): total or partial. In the first version, it will be possible to observe the features of the solar corona (resembles a ring). The essence of a solar eclipse is already clear to you, especially since it is the most accessible astronomical phenomenon for observation.

Solar eclipse calendar

Solar eclipse calendar indicates the dates and year of future solar shading events. You can see which one will be the most best area visibility on Earth, indicating the point of maximum phase and the area of ​​the solar eclipse. In addition, you can go to the pages with descriptions of specific solar eclipses, where the characteristics are presented, more details with photos and the frequency of solar eclipses.

Solar eclipse: basic concepts

An incredibly beautiful phenomenon that is being observed a large number of people, but the description may contain not entirely clear terms and phases that are familiar to astronomy. Let's take a closer look at them. Also remember what conditions are needed for the onset of a solar eclipse.

Saros(Greek soros) or draconic period - a time period, at the end of which, due to repetition mutual arrangement The Moon, the nodes of its orbit in the sky and the Sun, in one sequence, the lunar and solar eclipses... Scientists have mentions of Saros, dating back several centuries BC Ancient Greece and Egypt. The approximately draconian period is 585 and 1/3 days, or 18 years and 10 1/3 (11 1/3 days in a leap year). One Saros contains 28 lunar and 43 solar eclipses (15 partial, 2 annular-total, 14 annular, 12 complete). However, due to some circumstances, the number of eclipses in different periods may vary. Based on the draconian period, preliminary forecasts of eclipses are made, however, it is still impossible to accurately predict the time of their occurrence and location.

Total solar eclipse(Total Solar Eclipse) is a solar eclipse, which is accompanied by the intersection of the cone of the lunar shadow of the earth's surface. In this case, the satellite is located at such a distance from the Earth that it completely covers the Sun.

Partial (partial) solar eclipse(Partial Solar Eclipse) is a solar eclipse, which is accompanied by the crossing of the earth's surface by the lunar penumbra. In this case, the shadow cone does not touch the surface of the Earth.

(Annular Solar Eclipse) is such a solar eclipse, which is accompanied by the intersection of the earth's surface with a cone-continuation of the moon's shadow. In this case, the moon is located at such a distance from the Earth that it completely overlaps the sun. At the peak of an eclipse, the distance between the axis of the Moon's shadow and the center of the Earth is minimal.

The point of the greatest eclipse is the part of the Earth where you can observe the moment of the greatest eclipse in the maximum phase. During an annular eclipse, the moment of maximum duration may or may not coincide with the moment of the greatest eclipse. Such an eclipse reaches its maximum duration at the beginning or at the end of the path of the eclipse.

(Hybrid Solar Eclipse) is a solar eclipse characterized by the intersection earth surface the top of the lunar shadow cone along the eclipse on its central line. At this moment, the eclipse from the annular can become complete or vice versa. Therefore, hybrid eclipses can be called annular-total. In most cases, hybrid eclipses change their nature twice: the beginning and end of their path pass as annular, and the middle part as total.

During an annular eclipse, the moment of maximum duration may or may not coincide with the moment of the greatest eclipse. Such an eclipse reaches its maximum duration at the beginning or at the end of the path of the eclipse.

With a total solar eclipse, the moment of the greatest eclipse coincides with the moment of the longest duration and the greatest phase of the eclipse.

Not everyone knows how to observe a solar eclipse in Russia and the world, especially if it is a large-scale event. Do I need to buy a special telescope or go looking for filters? Exists basic rules, which should not be violated, so as not to damage eyesight.

During direct observation of the solar disk using optical instruments, irreversible damage to the retina may occur. This even applies to observations of the Bailey rosary or the solar crescent. One percent of the Sun's visible surface is tens of thousands of times brighter than the full Moon. That is why direct observation of the Sun through a lens can be compared to using a magnifying glass to direct the flow of sunlight onto the retina of the eye, which is practically not restored even by surgery. Hence, extremely important rule: Never look at the sun without serious eye protection. The only exception is the total solar eclipse phase.

Polaroid or traditional sunglasses can relax your eyes to some extent if you are walking around the city on a hot sunny day, but they are absolutely not suitable for use when observing the sun, since they are not light filters.

With a total solar eclipse, the surface of the Sun is hidden from the eyes of observers, so this phenomenon can be observed without special filters.

To date, several safe methods have been developed for observing the partial phase of a solar eclipse.

Point projection method

The use of a "camera obscura" allows you to track the projected image of the Sun during a partial solar eclipse. Complex structures of this kind are made from cardboard boxes, but the mobile version of the camera, made from a pair of thin dense sheets of cardboard, also shows itself well. white... To do this, a small hole is made in one sheet, through which sunlight is directed to the second sheet, which is used as a screen. Thus, an inverted image of the Sun can be seen. To enlarge it, you need to place the screen at some distance from the hole. Don't make the hole wider to see the sun crescent instead of the blinding stream of light. Do not forget that the use of such a device is allowed only from a position with your back to the Sun. The light should pass through the hole just above your shoulder, forming an image on the lower screen.

Do not try to view the Sun through the hole!

Solar filters

Another observation method is with a specially designed light filter. These filters are only able to transmit a small portion of the sunlight. Information about modern filters of this type can be obtained in thematic publications on astronomy.

Some filters are manufactured from aluminized polyester. But we must not forget that polyester, being plastic, is different in its density. Full eye protection is provided by a metal coating, so carefully examine the polyester for the smallest holes that can let in sunlight and make you blind. With the help of a high-quality light filter, you can safely observe the glow of the lamp filament with a high incandescent intensity.

Other filters are available in black polyester. This material gives an image of a luminary in pleasant-looking yellow-orange tones. But it is worth saying again that no filter can provide absolute safety for your eyes if its density is less than 5.0.

In any case, avoid close and prolonged observation of the Sun. Even through the filter, the Sun can be viewed only in short intervals, periodically looking away and giving them the opportunity to rest.

Observation through binoculars

The astronomer writer George Lovie loved to observe the total eclipse with binoculars. Binoculars of any size are suitable for your research. Catch used 7x50 binoculars. In his notes, he described his impressions as follows: “Even true masters of photography are not able to accurately determine the colors and main details of the Sun at the time of its eclipse. No film is capable of capturing all the subtle features of the crown. But the human eye is capable of such feats. " According to the writer, people who seek to capture the true image of the Sun at the time of its eclipse are artists of the 19th century. They saw this magical phenomenon with their own eyes and transferred its canvases, creating real masterpieces of "astronomical" painting.

People who want to use binoculars while observing an eclipse were encouraged to write to common sense. He believed that it is possible to view a total eclipse without any filters using binoculars, a telescope, or even with the naked eye. However, the partial phases of an eclipse (before the appearance of a light region around the darkened disk) can be studied only with a filter. After the moment of disappearance of this area, the filter can be put back again. Also, work with the filter should be resumed when a bright glow appears at the western edge of the lunar disk and when the total eclipse decreases.

At the same time, the design of the binoculars is such that it is a pair of small telescopes located next to each other. And observing the Sun with it without any filter can seriously damage your eyesight.

Observation through a telescope

Astronomer-historian Ruth Freitag, like other observers, is studying the progression of an eclipse with a small mobile telescope. It is very stable and does not cause fatigue when explored over time. The telescope also gives a clearer and more detailed image of the eclipse. When a total eclipse occurs, the filters can be easily removed. And if you want to consider a large-scale view of the crown, you can switch the finder scale.

Several camera and telescope manufacturers offer metal coated filters. They are highly safe when exploring the sun. They are usually more expensive than conventional filters, but are very popular with amateur astronomers because they provide a yellow-orange image of the Sun. With the help of aluminized mylar, the luminary appears in bluish-gray tones.

Do not confuse telescope or camera lens filters with telescope solar eyepieces. Some models of amateur telescopes are still equipped with the latter. Their safety is seriously questioned as they quickly heat up, crack and let sunlight directly into the observer's eye.

Fully exposed and developed black and white film as a light filter

The observation filter can be made with your own hands from black and white film. But for this, only real black and white film will work, preferably Pan-X or Kodak Tri-X. After development, a layer of silver forms on them, which protects the eyes.

The filter manufacturing scheme is simple. To do this, you need to open a roll of black and white film and light it on sunlight within a couple of minutes. The film is then developed to produce negatives. Two layers of negatives are an excellent filter for observing a luminary without any harm to health. To increase your safety, make such a filter a couple of days before the observation.

Avoid using chromogenic black and white or color film. It contains only colored dyes that do not protect your eyes. If you follow all the rules, you will be able to take amazing photos of a solar eclipse, examples of which are presented below.

Even in ancient times, people noticed a special astronomical phenomenon, which in the future was called "eclipse". First of all, there are lunar and solar eclipses, but each of them, several centuries ago, was terrifying and confusing. As a rule, ignorant people saw in them a terrible omen or a message from the Almighty, which everyone tried to interpret as best he could. Now scientists know enough so that no one else is afraid of strange celestial phenomena... In this article, we will tell you about when the year, there will be both lunar and solar eclipses, as well as how they affect a person.

Lunar eclipses in 2018

There will be two total lunar eclipses in 2018: January 31, 2018 and July 27, 2018... Therefore, those who like to see something unusual will be able to enjoy this spectacle in all its glory.

Lunar eclipses, as a rule, occur at a time when the Moon seems to be hiding in the shadow of our planet, being in line with the Sun. For an observer on Earth, the natural satellite disappears altogether, which gives the impression of its complete absence. An interesting phenomenon during a lunar eclipse is the red moon. it was she who most of all frightened our ancestors, who think that its red lunar color symbolizes the approaching death period. However, there is nothing terrible about the red moon. On the contrary, this beautiful and unique event in the sky looks very mesmerizing and impressive, but does not bode well.

Solar eclipses in 2018

The inhabitants of the Earth will not have to see total solar eclipses in the coming 2018. But private, as many as three are expected: February 15, 2018, July 13, 2018, August 11, 2018.

It should be noted that solar eclipses occur in almost the same number as lunar eclipses (if we take a long period of time) and are an astronomical phenomenon in which the Moon completely or partially covers the solar disk. This happens when the Sun, the Moon and the Earth line up in one straight line, which gives the impression that the natural satellite of our planet eclipses the Sun with itself. It is noteworthy that the eclipse is not observed at all points of the planet at the same time and in the same way (see. calendar-schedule below). It all depends on the angle of view, because in reality the Moon is much smaller than the Sun and closes it only because the observer is on Earth - a point more distant at that time.

Calendar of lunar and solar eclipses for 2018

The impact of eclipses on humans and their consequences

Despite the fact that the ancient times of primitive fears are long gone, some people still believe in the oppressive influence of solar and lunar eclipses. And this phobia still has a grain of truth. Of course, eclipses do not carry any terrible consequences. However, their effect on the human body has been proven by science.

It is believed that the people most susceptible to a deterioration in well-being during this astronomical phenomenon are the elderly, suffering from cardiovascular diseases, pregnant women and people with mental disorders. They begin to feel unwell about two weeks before the day the eclipse is about to occur, and the ill health may continue for another two weeks after the eclipse is over. Especially superstitious argue that during this phenomenon it is even better not to leave the house at all, especially for expectant mothers, but science has not yet found confirmation of such words.

Since the beginning of time, the eclipse of the sun has been perceived by people as something mysterious, terrible and beautiful at the same time. Modern man he perfectly understands the reasons and knows the scientific rationale for eclipses, but with the same feelings of admiration and impatience he longs to see the phenomenon with his own eyes. Astronomers, astrologers, esotericists and psychics await this event with no less trepidation.

• The worst eclipse of 2018
• Where will it be in Russia?

What are solar eclipses

Scientists subdivide three types of phenomena:
partial or partial, when the lunar disk only partially covers the sun;
full, in this case the disk of the moon completely covers the sun, blocking the rays in any form;
annular, when the moon fits inside the solar disk, leaving room for rays to penetrate at the edges.

Any eclipses of the sun are fleeting and do not last more than a few minutes, which does not prevent astronomers, astrologers and amateurs from enjoying the phenomenon.

Interesting. All living organisms on the planet react to solar eclipses. Animals seek to hide, birds begin to sing, and plants hide as if they were spending the night.

The worst eclipse of 2018

The current year is rich in solar eclipses, as many as three times the Moon will block the solar disk. The first appearance has already taken place, it happened on February 15th. The next one will happen on July 13th and the last one will be on August 11th. None of the phenomena this year will be complete, but it is the July 13 eclipse that is causing alarm among astrologers. Some believe that this will be the most dangerous event of the year. There are several reasons for panic:
on the day of the appearance there will be a new moon, that is, the moon will not be visible at all;
there comes an unfavorable time when Mars with Saturn moves retrograde with Neptune and Pluto;
the solar eclipse will happen on Friday the 13th.

According to psychics, this is the strangest day of the year, which has a significant impact on the human body. In the case of chronic diseases, a few days before the eclipse of the sun, exacerbations occur, deterioration of health, anxiety, depression and a tendency to rash actions are manifested. Scientists, in turn, cannot provide an explanation for such an effect of solar eclipses on people, therefore, on the days of phenomena, they are advised to maintain self-control, leave home less often and devote themselves and most of the time to quiet activities, such as reading or rest.

Interesting. Eclipses of the sun last about seven and a half minutes, but at the end of July 2009, the inhabitants of the Earth observed the longest ever eclipse, which lasted more than three and a half hours.

Where will it be in Russia?

The next eclipse of the sun, expected on the thirteenth of July, is of very little interest to fans of such phenomena, since it will be visible in only a few places. The event will affect Antarctica, Tasmania and southern Australia. The Russians will be able to watch the event online. The eclipse will begin at ten to five in the morning Moscow time, the peak will reach about six in the morning, and will end at the beginning of the eighth.

From Monday March 30, 2020, a restriction of movement in the city will be introduced in the capital (home mode of self-isolation) for all residents of Moscow, regardless of age.

The corresponding Decree numbered 34-UM dated March 29, 2020 was signed by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on March 29, 2020. The new document introduces changes (supplements) the previously issued Decree number 12-UM of 03/05/2020.

We tell what can and cannot be done in accordance with the new decree.

Despite the introduced self-isolation regime, in some cases it is still possible to leave the house. We list these cases below.

When you can leave the house:
* In case of seeking emergency medical care.
* In the event of a threat to life or health.
* In the case of going to the place of activity (work), the implementation of which is not prohibited. Earlier we wrote about
* To purchase products and goods - to the nearest store.
* In the case of walking pets - at a distance of no more than 100 meters from the place of residence.
* If necessary, take out the garbage - to the nearest place of accumulation of waste.

If you still need to leave the house, you should follow a number of rules.

How to behave on the street, in in public places and public transport:
* It is necessary to maintain a distance (social distancing), that is, do not approach other citizens at a distance of less than one and a half meters, with the exception of taxi rides.
* Observe the requirements of the special markings on social distancing in the places where they are applied.

The Decree does not apply to:
* for cases of rendering honey. help.
* on the activities of law enforcement agencies and other bodies whose actions are aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens.
* on the movement of road transport.
* for citizens who have been issued special passes.
* in case of arrival and departure from the city.

Until what date will the self-isolation regime for all residents of Moscow last, introduced on March 30, 2020:

In a published document the expiration date of the general self-isolation regime is not specified introduced on March 30, 2020.

This means that the timing of the abolition of the home self-isolation regime will be announced additionally, after the epidemiological situation in Moscow and the region improves, and the spread of coronavirus infection begins to decline.

Most likely, the self-isolation regime will last until April 30, 2020... It was until this date that the President of Russia extended the non-working days, which he announced during his address to the nation on April 2, 2020.

On March 20 this year, there will be a total solar eclipse that will block up to 90 percent of the sun. The eclipse will be the largest event in the past 16 years. On this day, the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. A solar eclipse could cause temporary blackouts across Europe. The eclipse will occur on the afternoon of March 20 on Friday and will begin at 7:41 UTC (UTC) and end at 11:50 UTC.

The beginning of the solar eclipse: 12:13 Moscow time

Maximum phase of a solar eclipse: 13:20 Moscow time

End of solar eclipse: 14:27 Moscow time

Maximum solar disk darkening: 58 percent

In the east of Greenland, Iceland, the Svalbard archipelago and the Faroe Islands, there will be a total eclipse. A partial solar eclipse will be observed in Russia, Europe, northern and eastern Africa and northern and eastern Asia.

The last total solar eclipse of this magnitude occurred on August 11, 1999, and the next will take place in 2026. In addition, an eclipse can disrupt solar power supplies and result in a power outage.

Remember not to look directly at the Sun's disk during time, as this can lead to irreversible damage to the eyes. For observation, you need to use special solar filters.

The eclipse falls on the day of the equinox and the new moon, and the Moon reaches the lunar perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. The vernal equinox occurs on March 20, 2015 at 22:45 UTC (March 21, 1:45 Moscow time). It represents the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator. On the day of the equinox, the length of the night and day is the same and is 12 hours.

The March new moon will be a supermoon that, while not visible, will have more than the usual impact on Earth's oceans. An eclipse occurs when heavenly body for example, the moon or planet passes into the shadow of another body. On Earth, two types of eclipses can be observed: solar and lunar.

During a solar eclipse, the Moon's orbit passes between the Sun and the Earth. When this happens, the Moon blocks the light from the Sun and casts a shadow on the Earth.

There are several types of solar eclipses:

Full - it is visible in certain areas of the Earth, which are in the center of the lunar shadow falling on the Earth. The sun, moon and earth are in a straight line.

Partial - This eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are not exactly on the same line, and the observers are in penumbra.

Annular - occurs when the Moon is at the farthest point from the Earth. As a result, it does not completely block the solar disk, but looks like a dark disk with a bright ring around it.