(Newswire.net — August 22, 2017) –A total solar eclipse occurs every 12 to 18 months, but it is not visible to the most of the population because it occurs above the ocean as Earth is predominantly covered with water.
Monday’s eclipse above the United States is the first visible one in the 21st century and the first since 1991 when it was visible only on the main island of Hawaii.
The eclipse began on August 21 on Monday, in the state of Oregon, about 10 a.m. local time, and ended at 2:48 p.m. local time at Charleston, South Carolina. During that time the total solar eclipse crossed over more than 14 US states, and is referred to as the “Great American Eclipse”.
About 12 million Americans live in the area where this astronomical phenomenon was visible, and the eclipse was observed by millions of Americans, who were using protective glasses, telescopes and cameras.
They were able to witness the incredible sight during which the Moon was directly in front of the Sun for two minutes, causing almost complete darkness and a sudden drop in temperature of almost ten degrees.
Even US President Donald Trump came out of the White House to see the eclipse. The president watched the sky with his wife Melania, son Baron and his closest associates.
This solar eclipse was significant for scientists because it was a rare opportunity where they could study the upper part of the Sun’s atmosphere, which is usually invisible.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partially obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun’s, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness.
For safe viewing of solar eclipses, we need special glasses which can filter ultraviolet and infrared light. The eye’s retina has no pain receptors, and thus damage could occur without a viewer being aware.
Future total solar eclipses will cross the United States in April 2024, being visible in 12 states, and also in August of 2045, when 10 states will be able to see it.