When will the next solar eclipse take place? How often do they occur?
Some fortunate parts of America will witness the next solar eclipse tonight. When is the next such phenomenon taking place?
North America is preparing to witness one of the most fascinating astronomical phenomena that takes place on Earth: an eclipse of the Sun. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, obscuring the Sun’s disk and casting a shadow on the Earth.
The next major solar eclipse visible from parts of North America will be an annular solar eclipse on October 2, 2024. During this event, the Moon will appear slightly smaller than the Sun, creating a “ring of fire” effect visible along the path of annularity.
However, the phenomenon will not be seen in the continental US. A partial eclipse will be visible in Hawaii, while the annular eclipse will be see across parts of South America, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.
How often does a total solar eclipse occur?
According to NASA calculations, a solar eclipse can occur two to three times per year. A total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, usually occurs approximately once every 18 months somewhere on Earth. For these to occur in the same place is almost impossible.
“On average, about 375 years elapse between the appearance of two total eclipses in the same place. But the interval can sometimes be much longer,” according to the space agency.
This rarity is due to the precise alignment required of the Earth, Moon, and Sun for a total solar eclipse to happen.