2017 will have the best total solar eclipse of 99 years

Millions of Americans will have the rare opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse in the summer of next year.

On August 21, 2017, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun. The shadow of the Moon will sweep across the United States, spanning 14 states from Oregon to South Carolina. Eclipse is not a special phenomenon as rare as many people think.

On average, this happens at any location on Earth every 18 months. But this eclipse will be the first time since February 1979 that can be seen from more than 48 states . And this will also be the first total reality in 99 years with the shadow stretching from the coast to the coast.

Total eclipse is always a spectacular natural phenomenon that attracts the world's attention.(Image source: Huffintonpost).

The next total solar eclipse will take place in 2024 . So, this is a great opportunity for you to see firsthand a rare astronomical event and bring an unforgettable impression. "This total solar eclipse will be much better than other times," said Dr Jay Pasachoff, an astronomer at Williams University (USA), who has seen more than 33 solar eclipses. throughout life.

"When you see a spectacular total eclipse in addition to reality, emotions will be very intense. People will shout cheerfully, even some people cry," said Jay Pasachoff.

The 2017 eclipse will be seen across the entire North American region and part of South America. However, most people will only see a partial eclipse. Only those standing in the 68-square-mile area described in the map below can see the total solar eclipse.

An estimated 12 million people living in the area will see firsthand the total solar eclipse and 200 million others in the Americas witnessing a partial eclipse . When the moon begins to obscure the sun, light will be reduced very quickly. The sky will turn from blue to dark blue. The bright stars in the sky will become clear. The temperature can drop to 20 degrees. Confused by the sudden darkness, many wild animals will be able to prepare to fall asleep.

The black line shows where the total solar eclipse is visible.(Image source: Google Map).

On the eclipse of August 2017, the moon's shadow will begin to appear on the surface of the Earth in the Pacific region located about 2400 km northwest of the Hawaiian Islands.

Then this shadow will grow and run quickly towards North America. The shadow of the moon will land in Oregon state and then pass through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina before entering the Atlantic Ocean.

The shadow of the Moon moves on the ground at a speed of nearly 1600km / h. In Illinois, the sun will be completely obscured for the longest time, lasting up to 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Very dangerous for eyes when looking directly at the Sun. Therefore, to observe the eclipse directly need to use eye protection or indirect observation of the eclipse at the eclipse. But when a total solar eclipse occurs, the eye can safely observe this phenomenon while the Moon completely obscures the Sun.