A solar eclipse is a fascinating astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Moon aligns directly between the Earth and the Sun, and partially or completely blocks sunlight. During a solar eclipse, the Moon casts a shadow on the Earth's surface, temporarily obscuring the Sun's light.
In 2023, an annular solar eclipse will take place on October 14th and will cross North, Central and South America. The phenomenon will also be visible in parts of the United States, Mexico and many countries in South and Central America, millions of people in the Western Hemisphere can experience the beauty of this eclipse.
What are the types of solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses have intrigued humanity throughout history, often being interpreted as omens or mysterious events. Currently they are carefully studied by astronomers to better understand the movement of the Moon, the dynamics of the solar system and even to validate Einstein's theory of relativity. Among the main types of solar eclipses are total, partial and annular.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the solar disk, turning day into night for a few minutes. During this moment, the Sun's outer atmosphere becomes visible, creating a dazzling celestial spectacle. However, total eclipses are relatively rare events and are only visible in specific locations on Earth.
Partial solar eclipses occur when the Moon blocks only part of the solar disk, creating a “bite” in the Sun. These events are more common and can be observed over a larger geographic area. It is important to note that looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse, even during a partial eclipse, can cause permanent vision damage unless proper solar filters or safe projection techniques are used.
And in an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is furthest from Earth in its elliptical orbit, and its apparent size is smaller than that of the Sun. This results in a ring of sunlight visible around the Moon, creating the appearance of a “ring of fire.” During an annular eclipse, the solar disk is never completely hidden.
These three types of solar eclipses occur due to the relative position of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun in their orbital movements, and the visibility of each type depends on the geolocation of the observer and the phase of the Moon at the time of the event. Solar eclipses attract the attention of astronomy enthusiasts, who travel to specific locations to witness these incredible events, considering them to be captivating natural spectacles that provide a unique opportunity to learn, explore and appreciate the complexity of our solar system.
If you fall into this group of people interested in the subject, regardless of your level of engagement with the topic, know that it is possible to monitor this wonderful natural phenomenon using specific applications for this purpose.
Discover 3 apps to track solar eclipses
There are several useful mobile applications to follow and learn about solar eclipses, maximizing your enjoyment of these events, which are exciting and rare events. Here are three of them, and you can download them at Google Play or in App Store.
1 – Solar Eclipse Timer
Solar Eclipse Timer is an app specifically designed to help astronomy enthusiasts and eclipse watchers make the most of the experience of a solar eclipse. Developed by astronomers and astronomers, the app offers several useful features to help people plan and enjoy this unique astronomical event. Some of the features of Solar Eclipse Timer include:
- Custom Timer: The app allows users to enter their location and date for a specific eclipse. It then provides a custom timer that shows when important events, such as the start and end of the eclipse, the total phase (if applicable), and the eclipse contact moments, will occur.
- Voice and Vibration Instructions: The app offers voice instructions and vibration feedback, letting watchers know when to look at the sky or take photos without having to look at their watch.
- Astronomical Information: The Solar Eclipse Timer provides information about the eclipse contacts, such as the first contact (partial start), second contact (full or annular start), third contact (total or annular end), and fourth contact (partial end).
- Maps and Views: The app can also display interactive maps that show the trajectory of the solar eclipse and the best location to observe it.
These features are valuable for eclipse watchers who want to plan their activities in advance and ensure a safe and meaningful experience.
2 – Eclipse by Redshift
“Eclipse by Redshift” is a mobile application developed by Redshift, a company known for its astronomy and sky observation applications. This app is designed to provide detailed information and resources for tracking and understanding solar and lunar eclipses. Here are some of the app's main features and functionalities:
- Eclipses information: The app offers information about solar and lunar eclipses, including dates, times, eclipse types (total, partial, annular, etc.) and visibility data based on your location.
- Real-Time Simulations: Eclipse by Redshift allows you to simulate the appearance of the eclipse in real time, helping observers understand how the event will unfold and when key moments, such as eclipse contacts, will occur.
- Interactive Maps: The application offers interactive maps that show the eclipse's trajectory and the best locations to observe it. This can be especially useful for planning trips to areas where the eclipse is most visible.
- Notifications: Users can set up notifications to receive reminders and alerts about important astronomical events, such as eclipses, based on their preferences and location.
- Photo gallery: The app includes a photo gallery of past eclipses, allowing observers to see spectacular images from past eclipses.
The app offers a convenient way to track and understand these exciting celestial events, providing accurate, up-to-date information to maximize the observing experience. Be sure to check the latest information in the app store corresponding to your operating system to get the most up-to-date version of the app.
3 – NASA App
The “NASA” app is the official app of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and offers a wide variety of information and resources related to space, space exploration, scientific research, and NASA missions.
This app is available for iOS and Android devices and is a trusted source of up-to-date information about NASA's work. Some of the notable features of the app include news and updates, videos and images, mission information, Earth view, astronaut information, educational videos, and events calendar.
Extra tip: Official NASA broadcast on YouTube
NASA usually broadcasts live astronomical events, including solar eclipses, and announced in advance that it will broadcast live the phenomenon that will occur on October 14, 2023. The broadcast can be accessed through the official NASA YouTube channel, to find out more visit the website agency official.
So stay tuned to the NASA website and social media for up-to-date information about the 2023 solar eclipse live stream. Through these means, NASA provides detailed information on how to watch the eclipse in a safe and educational way.
Pay attention to safety!
Observing any part of the Sun during an annular eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope without a special solar filter attached to the front of the optic will instantly cause serious eye damage. So it is never safe to look directly at the Sun during an annular eclipse without using solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses. It's never safe!
The Sun is not completely blocked by the Moon during an annular solar eclipse, so it will never be safe to look directly at the Sun during the phenomenon without specialized eye protection designed specifically for this purpose.
Here are some more tips for following the annular solar eclipse safely:
– Do not look directly at the sun, even if it is partially covered;
– Do not use conventional sunglasses! Eclipse glasses are NOT normal sunglasses, they are thousands of times darker and must comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2;
– Olhe sempre através de óculos de visualização solar seguros – conhecidos como “óculos de eclipse” – ou de um visualizador solar portátil seguro.
Did you like this content?
Now you know how to follow the Solar Eclipse on October 14, 2023 safely and using apps available for your mobile device! But remember to pay attention to your geolocation when looking for ways to view the phenomenon, as its visibility is not the same for all locations on our planet.
Furthermore, use the tips that NewPost separated in this article and enjoy this rare and beautiful event that will be the Solar Eclipse 2023.
