Total solar eclipse in North America on Monday

The astronomical spectacle cannot be observed from Europe. A partial solar eclipse can only be seen on the western edge of the continent – for example in parts of Portugal, Spain, Ireland and Great Britain. An overview:

What is a total solar eclipse?

“A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely blocking the sun,” says the US space agency NASA. “The sky darkens as if it were dawn or dusk.” NASA also calls it a “cosmic masterpiece.” “Solar eclipses have a very special power,” said NASA boss Bill Nelson at a press conference. “They move people and give them a deep respect for the universe.”

How common is such a solar eclipse?

Overall, such events are not that rare. There are around two to five solar eclipses worldwide every year, although this also includes partial solar eclipses. The fact that the sun is completely obscured only happens about once every one or two years. This is only visible from a small part of the earth. On average, a total solar eclipse can only be seen from a given location on Earth about every 375 years.

What does this look like for North America – and what does it look like for Central Europe?

The last total solar eclipse was visible from the USA in 2017, from Mexico in 1991 and from Canada in 1979. The next one – after the one on April 8th – for the USA and Canada is only announced for 2044, for Mexico for 2052. The last time a total solar eclipse was seen in Central Europe was in August 1999; the next one will take place in September 2081.

Where exactly can the total solar eclipse on April 8th be observed from?

Starting over the Pacific, the umbra extends over northern Mexico, crosses the USA from Texas northeast to Maine, touches southeastern Canada and ends over the North Atlantic. The spectacle mainly takes place in the afternoon (local time). Large cities such as Dallas, Indianapolis, Buffalo and Montreal are located in the zone, and a total of more than 30 million people live there.

For many of them, however, the weather prospects are not particularly good: The Weather Channel is predicting rain and sometimes even storms, especially for the south of the USA. Further to the northeast, heavy clouds can often be expected – only in the northeast of the USA are there better chances of a clear view, the weather station reported. “To fully experience a solar eclipse, you need clear skies with a clear view of the sun and moon,” writes NASA. “However, the eerie darkness that accompanies eclipses can be felt even when the sky is cloudy.”

What are the preparations like?

Institutions like NASA and astronomy fans in North America have been planning activities for the day of the solar eclipse for months. In many places, parties for watching together are planned, at which special glasses to protect the eyes will be distributed free of charge. Numerous schools in districts in the area of ​​the total solar eclipse have announced that they will close on this day. In addition, millions of people who live elsewhere have booked trips. Hotels and holiday apartments in the areas with a total solar eclipse are fully booked in many places, and the authorities warn of very high traffic volumes.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador even moved his daily meeting with the security cabinet at 6 a.m. and his usual press conference to the northwestern coastal city of Mazatlán in the state of Sinaloa – so that he could then put on special glasses and observe the phenomenon. “This is something you don’t see every day, and it’s important for everyone,” López Obrador said. As a child he was fascinated by a comet. You never forget that.

Do astronomers also look at the sky?

Many scientists are also prepared. The event is a “wonderful opportunity for scientific research,” said NASA boss Nelson. The US space agency observes, records and measures the solar eclipse using aircraft, balloons and observatories on Earth, among other things. According to NASA, even astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) can observe the spectacle.