Did you know that we see solar eclipses based on our perfect alignment with the sun and the moon? Ms. Genoves, an Astronomy and Earth Science teacher at Kearns High School, took part in an interview on November 3rd, 2023 on sharing her knowledge on Solar Eclipse. For upcoming Eclipses, it’s important to be more educated on the topic to be aware of what’s going on with the sun, moon, and earth. Not only…but also it can be interesting and exciting to watch!
A solar eclipse can be phenomenal to watch. So, what is a solar eclipse? Ms. Genovoes gives an insight on how Solar eclipse works. “A solar eclipse blocks out the sun’s orb and we see that on earth because of our position so the 3 objects are in perfect alignment.” she explains. There are four types of solar eclipse: a total, annular, partial, and hybrid. “The type of eclipse it is has to deal with how close the moon is or how far it is from the earth.” states Genoves. For example, the difference between solar and lunar eclipse is the alignment. “When a lunar eclipse happens there are still lined up, it’s still the moon, the sun, and the earth but when it’s a solar eclipse it’s the sun, the earth, and the moon.” she shared. They happen usually twice a year and last about a couple minutes aside from the time watching it progress.
Now that we know about solar eclipses, when is the next eclipse? On April 8th, 2024 they’re will be a total eclipse. It will make its way along Mexico, the United States, and Canada. In the United States its path is Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Although this eclipse will not be in Utah, travelers have always said their money was well spent.The best place to go without leaving the U.S is in Texas. The cities are Kerville, Bandera, and Fredericksburg. To watch an eclipse you’ll need refracting glasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
In conclusion, solar eclipses can inspire, excite us, and it’s an overall beautiful thing to be able to witness here on earth. To find more information on Solar Eclipses you can go to https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/. Without our perfect alignment, eclipses perhaps could not exist or it could be totally different then what it is today.
