by If you’re planning to see the epic total solar eclipse that will dance across the skies of North America on Monday, you should aim to travel as close as possible to the center of the celestial spectacle’s path.
New map calculations have raised some concerns that the path of totality – when the moon can be seen completely blocked out from the sun – is slightly narrower than NASA calculated. That means some cities on the edge of the route that were expecting a second or two of total darkness could be left out.
NASA has not changed its prediction, but the space agency suggests there is some uncertainty involved in mapping the path of the eclipse.
“Calculations using a slightly larger radius for the size of the sun give a slightly narrower eclipse path,” NASA spokeswoman Karen Fox said in an emailed statement. “This difference would only affect cities on the edge of the path of totality, where it’s difficult to make sweeping predictions – a few city blocks could mean 20, 10, or 0 seconds of totality one way or the other other.”
And for viewing purposes, NASA scientists and other experts recommend that the viewer be ahead of the center, rather than the perimeter, of the path anyway.
“I wouldn’t be near the edge of where that total is because it’s like night and day,” said Dr. Edward Guinan, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Villanova University.
Mapping the moment
Recent questions about a possible path of translation have focused on a new map calculated by Guildford, England-based software developer John Irwin and published on a web page called Besselian Elements.
Scientists have not thoroughly reviewed the research, Guinan said. And even if NASA’s map is wrong, Irwin’s calculations show it’s only a few thousand feet off the edge.
Irwin did not immediately respond to an email request for comment Friday.
But few things in science are ever certain. And NASA also admits that it is difficult to make accurate measurements of the path of the eclipse.
“Precise eclipse predictions have brought new attention to a small but real uncertainty about the size of the Sun,” says a NASA statement. “Uncertainty in the Earth’s rotation can also affect eclipse predictions at this level.”
Guinan explained that it is extremely difficult to accurately measure the size of the sun because “it is a fuzzy surface.”
He noted that the sun may be slightly enlarged right now because our star is going through a period of maximum magnetic activity, which “may raise the sun a little.”
But the uncertainty is only a few hundred feet, and the moon is millions of miles across.
Still, even small adjustments in the size of the sun could gently shift the edges of the moon’s shadow on Monday.
Edge effects
The Besselian Elements website advises that people should consult Irwin’s alternative eclipse map if they expect to travel to the edge of the path – where the duration of total darkness may be extremely short but viewers may get a long view of some others related to eclipses. phenomenon.
Guinan notes that eclipses bring “fringe effects.”
“You wouldn’t see the total eclipse, but you would see this diamond ring — flashes of the sun going in and out behind mountains and coming through valleys on the moon,” he said. “That would be great to do if you’ve seen a lot of eclipses.”
“But I don’t recommend people do this,” he said.
NASA also said in its statement, “If you travel toward the center of the path of totality—even a mile or two—it will quickly increase the total distance people can see.”
And the whole is the real show, emphasizes Guinan.
This phase of the eclipse will plunge the area into darkness. The temperature will drop. Animals will behave as if night has fallen. The sun’s corona – or the warm atmosphere outside – will be visible. Bright stars and planets will shine in the surrounding sky.
“Once you see the total eclipse, you can’t go back,” Guinan said. “It’s great.”
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