The Great Solar Eclipse of 2024
As far as rating local astronomical phenomena goes, a total solar eclipse is a breathtaking spectacle, and the eclipse of the 8th of April was no exception. Despite the initial concerns about cloud systems and spring weather, the skies cleared, and the scene was set for a truly memorable viewing experience.
The eclipse started at 15:42 (UTC) over the southern Pacific, with the umbra moving northeast to reach the coast of Mexico at 17:52. The longest period of totality was recorded in Mexico, where the totality lasted for 4 minutes and 28 seconds. The path of this eclipse was perfect; it crossed 15 US states, Mexico, and Canada before it ended. It was estimated that the umbra passed over 35 million people’s homes, and a further 5 million people journeyed to watch from various locations, meaning this is likely the most viewed eclipse ever.
A solar eclipse happens when the Earth moves through the shadow cast by the Moon, called the Umbra. In this diagram, you can see both the area where the Moon appears to cover the Sun’s face and the region on either side where the eclipse is only partial, so the shadow isn’t complete – also known as the penumbra.
The images shared on social media were spectacular, and the live feeds, which UFP shared from our forums too, gave people from across the world the opportunity to experience the magic of the event virtually, whilst not a first – other eclipses have been live-streamed, the excitement of this eclipse meant high viewer numbers throughout.
Images from the day
Millions of eclipse images were captured, but I wanted to share a few of my favourites in this edition.
Photo credit: Kendal Rust, A plane passes in front of totality, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Photo credit: Stand Honda, Bailey's Beads and Prominences
Were you lucky enough to be in the path of the eclipse? Did you take any photos - feel free to share them in the comments below.
Earthshine – the ashen glow
Scientists have concluded that the Earth is dimming and that the planet's ability to reflect sunlight into space has been reducing over the last 20 years. This has several important implications, especially considering that this may mean that our planet absorbs more light and heat than before, adding to the impacts of climate change. An added implication is that the astronomical phenomenon of the Ashen Lights, or Earthshine on a new moon, is now less noticeable than in the past.
Earthshine occurs when sunlight reflects off the Earth's surface and illuminates the unlit portion of the Moon’s surface. Seen from Earth, this effect makes the Moon look grey or sometimes silver, and this effect is much more prominent during a New Moon when the Moon’s surface is entirely unlit from the perspective of an observer on Earth.
The Earthshine on the New Moons of April and May are often the most brilliant because, at this time of year, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, meaning the winter snow and ice are still on the ground in the higher latitudes, reflecting light back out into space.
The same effect has been seen on other moons in the Solar system, and where this occurs, the phenomenon is called Planet Shine.
The new Moon will happen on the 8th of May, so head out to a place with relatively dark skies and wait until sunset. Look for Jupiter (a bright star low to the horizon in the West near where the Sun set). Look above Jupiter and below the Pleiades. The Moon will be there. Can you see the full ashen lights and the outline of the satellite?
If not, look at the Moon at any time in its waxing phase before the first quarter (the two weeks after a New Moon); you should still have a pretty good chance to see some Earthshine then, also the moon will be much easier for you to spot.
The planetarium
The MoonHere are the Moon’s phases during February, along with the dates.
• Last Quarter – 1st May 2024
• New Moon – 8th May 2024
• First Quarter – 15th May 2024
• Full Moon – 23rd May 2024
• Last Quarter – 30th May 2024
May is most notable for being the turning point in the year where temperatures rise and a vast variety of flowers come into full bloom, letting the world break out into a riot of colour. As such, May’s full moon has come to be known as the Full Flower Moon.
Thanks to MoonGiant for this information; read more about the May Moon phases on their website.
Mercury
Mercury will reach its greatest Western elongation on the morning of 9th May, which is the best time to catch a glimpse of this messenger of the Gods as he shines at a magnitude of -0.6. Look due East from 5 am onwards, you should see Mercury rise with Mars just to the right of him.
Venus
Venus will not be visible this month as it continues its transit through the sun’s glare, becoming an evening object again in August.
Mars
Mars is back as a morning object. Look due East on the morning of 9th May from about 4 a.m. onwards. Mars will rise first, followed an hour later by Mercury. It will not be at its brightest (still only a +1.10 magnitude) but should still be easily visible in dark skies.
Jupiter
The King of the planets is heading south to give those in the southern hemisphere a treat. He is still visible (just) in the twilight in the West here in the North for the first week of May; after that, Jupiter will be lost to the glare of sunset.
Saturn
Saturn will spend the whole month of May in constellation of Aquarius. It will rise two hours before dawn on May 1 and will rise about three hours before dawn by the end of the month.
Uranus
Uranus will not be visible.
Neptune
Neptune is not visible this month.
Next Month’s Preview
Next month I will look at my favourite summer constellations, and how and when to spot satellites.
What did you think of this edition of UFP Stellar Cartography? Let us know in the comments below.
WRITTEN BY WoorLord
EDITED BY WoorLord
IMAGES SOURCED FROM Adam Evans - MoonGiant.com - Other photo credits under the images used.
