For the last time in 2024, the Sun will again be obscured by our natural satellite. This Wednesday, October 2, the Moon will transit in broad daylight in front of the star, causing an annular eclipse. It will therefore not completely cover the diameter of the Sun, but nevertheless promises a worthy spectacle for the lucky few in the observation zone. Multiple sites InternetInternet will broadcast the eclipse live and in its entirety, including the BBC Sky At Night and the chain YouTubeYouTube timeanddate. The eclipse will begin at 6:50 p.m. French time. The “annularity” of the eclipse, namely its maximum phase, will take place at 8:45 p.m. The Moon will then cover 86% of the Sun’s surface.
Watch the last solar eclipse of the year live. © timeanddate, YouTube
Eclipse over the Pacific
As day breaks over the many islands of the Pacific Ocean and Oceanic countries in the early hours of October 3, early observers will be able to raise their (protected) eyes towards the Sun to admire the occultation. This will affect the entire ocean, with privileged areas such as the north of New Zealand, Hawaii, Baja California and the south of Latin America. The main countries concerned are Peru, Paraguay and Brazil. In South America, the event will occur at the end of the day.
The progressive distance of the Moon and its impact on eclipses
The Moon will be 406,000 kilometers from Earth during the eclipse. Its slightly further distance from Earth explains why the eclipse is annular and this occurrence should increase over the years. Despite his orbitorbitour satellite is inevitably moving away from the Earth, by almost four centimeters per year.
Eventually, it will become impossible to witness total eclipses of the Sun, while the Moon will gradually appear further away in the sky. Fortunately, total eclipsestotal eclipses will continue to darken the continents over the coming decades, with these events being listed by space agencies until 2100.
