[ad_1]
The only total solar eclipse of the year comes this week. On Monday, December 14, lucky sky watchers will have the opportunity to see the spectacular celestial event, when the new moon completely blocks the sun, creating temporary darkness during what NASA calls “one of the most impressive sights in nature. “.
When the moon covers the sun completely, you can see the atmosphere of the sun, known as its crown. This year, it coincides with the impressive Geminid meteor shower.
Unfortunately, this solar eclipse It will only track parts of South America, so relatively few people will be able to see it live. However, multiple live broadcasts of the event will ensure that eager amateur astronomers have a chance to see the eclipse, no matter where in the world you are.
How to watch
The eclipse will be visible in South America, specifically in certain regions of Chile and Argentina. According to NASA, the road will run from Saavedra, Chile to Salina del Eje, Argentina.
Additionally, ships located in parts of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans will also have the opportunity to detect the event.
Outside of the narrow path of totality, some people will still be able to see a partial eclipse, where the moon covers part of the solar disk. To find out if you are along this path, check the NASA map.
For those who see the eclipse in person, there are several safety precautions to follow. Never look directly at the sun and be sure to wear solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes; regular sunglasses are not enough.
Anyone on the centerline of the path of totality has approximately 2 minutes and 10 seconds until totality to see the total eclipse in clear weather conditions.
For those located in other parts of the world, NASA TV will broadcast the eclipse live from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile through telescopes at the Teaching Observatory. The show begins at 9:40 am ET, with a program narrated in Spanish at 10:30 am ET and the total eclipse scheduled for 11:02 am ET. Look it here.
The live broadcast will feature real-time views of the eclipse and a discussion with two NASA scientists, Yari Collado-Vega and Bea Gallardo-Lacourt, explaining how researchers use eclipses to study the sun.
Time and Date will also host a live broadcast from the Villarrica volcano in Chile starting at 9:30 am ET.
The next total solar eclipse won’t arrive until December 4, 2021. Fortunately, 2020 still has one last celestial phenomenon in store: great conjunction Jupiter and Saturn on December 21.
