Ancient times solar eclipse caused panic and superstitious fear among our ancestors. Many peoples believed that it was an omen of some kind of misfortune or was the wrath of the gods.
Nowadays, science has sufficient capabilities to explain the essence of this astronomical miracle and identify the reasons for its origin. What is a solar eclipse? Why is this happening?
A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Moon covers the solar disk from observers. If the Sun hides completely, then it becomes dark on our planet, and stars can be seen in the sky.
At this moment, the air temperature drops slightly, animals begin to show restlessness, individual plants roll up their leaves, birds stop singing, frightened by the unexpected darkness.
Solar eclipses are always recorded during the new moon, when the side of the Moon facing our planet is not illuminated by sunlight. Thanks to this, it feels like a black spot appears on the Sun. 
Since the Moon has a smaller diameter than the Earth, eclipses can only be seen in certain places on the planet, and the darkening band does not exceed a width of 200 km. The complete darkness phase lasts no more than a few minutes, after which the Sun follows its natural rhythm.
How does a solar eclipse occur?
A solar eclipse is a unique and quite rare phenomenon. Despite the fact that the solar diameter is hundreds of times greater than the diametrical indicators of the Moon, with earth's surface it seems as if both celestial bodies are approximately the same size. This is due to the fact that the Sun is 400 times further away than our satellite.
During certain periods, the lunar disk looks larger than the solar one, as a result of which it covers the star. Such moments happen when the new moon occurs near the so-called lunar nodes– points where the lunar and solar orbits intersect.
For astronauts on space station, the eclipse looks like a lunar shadow falling on certain parts of the Earth's surface. It resembles a converging cone and moves around the planet at a speed of about 1 kilometer per second. 
From the globe, the Sun appears as a black spot, around which a corona appears - luminous layers solar atmosphere, invisible to the eye under standard conditions.
What types of solar eclipses are there?
In accordance with the astronomical classification, total and partial eclipses are distinguished. In the case of a complete darkening, the Moon covers the entire Sun, and people observing the phenomenon fall into a strip of lunar shadow.
If we talk about partial eclipses, then in such a situation it is not at the center of the solar disk, but along one of its edges, while observers stand away from the shadowed strip - at a distance of up to 2000 km. At the same time, the sky does not darken so much, and the stars are almost invisible.
In addition to partial and total eclipses, eclipses can be annular. A similar phenomenon occurs when the lunar shadow does not reach the earth's surface. Viewers see how the Moon crosses the center of the Sun, but at the same time the lunar disk appears smaller than the solar one and does not completely cover it.
It is interesting that the same eclipse in different parts of the planet can look like an annular or total eclipse. A hybrid eclipse is considered quite rare, in which the edges of the solar disk are visible around our satellite, but the sky remains bright, without stars and a corona.
How often do solar eclipses occur?
In some places on the planet this miracle can be seen quite often, in others it is extremely rare. On average, between two and five eclipses occur around the globe each year. 
All of them are calculated in advance, so astronomers carefully prepare for each phenomenon, and special expeditions are sent to places where eclipses are expected. Every hundred years, the Moon covers the Sun on average 237 times, with most eclipses being partial.
A solar eclipse is accompanied by a complete, annular or partial (partial) occlusion of the surface of the Sun by the Moon, which is clearly observed from planet Earth. Knowing when the next solar eclipse will occur will help you see this unusual astronomical phenomenon with your own eyes.
When is the next solar eclipse
Scientists have promised a partial solar eclipse on August 11, 2018. Earthlings will be able to witness a unique phenomenon that will be observed in almost all European countries, Asia and many Russian cities at 9:47 GMT and 12:47 Moscow time.
The next solar eclipse will be visible in Russia
A total solar eclipse will be observed in our country on August 12, 2026. It is on this day that the eclipse will begin from the northeastern part of the Taimyr Peninsula, after which it will pass through the Arctic Ocean and Greenland.
You might also be wondering which planet solar system is the largest: .
Then the astronomical phenomenon can be observed in Iceland and Spain. It will be the forty-eighth eclipse of 126 Saros, and the areas of its best visibility are represented by the subpolar and middle latitudes of the northern part of the globe. The cone of the lunar shadow will intersect the earth's surface, which will allow it to completely cover the Sun.
During a total eclipse, a “corona” of the Sun’s rays will form around the Moon.
The nearest annular eclipses of the Sun 121 and 131 Saros can be observed on February 17, 2026 and February 6, 2027, respectively. The best visibility of this phenomenon will be in the mid-latitudes and subtropics of the southern hemisphere.
Annular or annular solar eclipses are the most interesting from an astronomical point of view. During such a period, the Moon is on the Sun, leaving only its edges visible, due to which the so-called corona of solar rays breaks through against the background of a total eclipse. This phenomenon is observed when the Moon is located at a considerable distance from our planet.
Also find out when the next one is moon eclipse: .
An annular solar eclipse is one of the most interesting for both ordinary observers and science
A solar eclipse is a unique and rather rare astronomical phenomenon that is observed when the Moon covers the surface of the solar disk. Not everyone gets to see such an incredible spectacle, but those who are lucky enough to witness the eclipse rightly call it fantastic and extraordinary.
It is rare that any natural or astronomical phenomenon can surpass a solar eclipse in terms of its dramatic impact and impact on humans. Understanding it internal processes and hidden mechanisms will allow you to expand your horizons and take a step into the world of star science.
Solar eclipses past and present
The oldest written sources telling about the sudden onset of night in the middle of a clear day were Chinese manuscripts written more than 2 thousand years ago. They, like later sources from other countries, tell of extreme excitement and fear of the population at the sudden disappearance of the Sun.
For many thousands of years of human history, eclipses were considered exclusively harbingers of great misfortunes and catastrophes. But times changed, knowledge increased, and in an insignificant period from a historical perspective, from a harbinger of catastrophes, short-term disappearances of the sun turned for people into a grandiose show staged by nature itself.
Predicting the exact time of the beginning of astronomical events was also once the lot of dedicated priests. By the way, they used this knowledge based on considerations of benefits and assertion of their power in society.
Today's scientists, on the contrary, willingly share such information. For decades in advance, the years of solar eclipses and the places in which they will be observed are known. After all, what more people participate in observations - the more information flows into astronomical centers.
Below is a chart of solar eclipses for the near future:
- September, 01, 2016. It will be observed in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar, and partly in Africa.
- February 26, 2017. South part Africa, Antarctica, Chile and Argentina.
- August 21, 2017. Most US states, northern Europe, Portugal.
- February 15, 2018. Antarctica, Chile and Argentina.
- July 13, 2018. Southern coast of the Australian continent, Tasmania Peninsula, part Indian Ocean.
- August, 11, 2018. Most countries of the Northern Hemisphere, incl. territory of Russia, the Arctic, part of Northern Asia.
Conditions and causes of solar eclipses
In the infinite space of the Universe, the Sun and the planetary systems surrounding it move at a speed of 250 kilometers per second. In turn, within this system there is a movement of all its constituent celestial bodies around the central body, along different trajectories (orbits) and at different speeds.
Most of these planets have their own satellite planets, called satellites. The presence of satellites, their constant movement around their planets and the existence of certain patterns in the ratios of the sizes of these celestial bodies and the distances between them explain the causes of solar eclipses.
Each of the celestial bodies included in our system is illuminated by the sun's rays and every second casts a long shadow into the surrounding space. The same cone-shaped shadow is cast by the Moon on the surface of our planet when, when moving along its orbit, it finds itself between the Earth and the Sun. In the place where the lunar shadow falls, an eclipse occurs.
Under normal conditions, the apparent diameters of the Sun and Moon are almost the same. Being at a distance 400 times less than the distance from the Earth to the only star in our system, the Moon is 400 times smaller in size than the Sun. Thanks to this amazingly accurate ratio, humanity has the opportunity to periodically observe a total solar eclipse.
This event can only occur during periods when several conditions are met simultaneously:
- New Moon - The Moon faces the Sun.
- The moon is on the line of nodes: this is the name of the imaginary line of intersection of the lunar and earth's orbits.
- The Moon is at a fairly close distance to the Earth.
- The line of nodes is directed towards the Sun.
Mechanism and timing of a solar eclipse
Descriptions of how a solar eclipse occurs have generally remained unchanged throughout recorded history. At the edge of the Sun, a dark spot of the lunar disk creeping to the right appears, which gradually increases in size, becomes darker and clearer.
The more the surface of the star is covered by the Moon, the darker the sky becomes, on which bright stars appear. The shadows lose their usual outlines and become blurry.
The air is getting significantly colder. Its temperature, depending on geographical latitude, along which the eclipse band passes, can decrease by up to 5 degrees Celsius. Animals at this time become anxious and often rush around in search of shelter. The birds fall silent, some go to bed.
The dark disk of the Moon is creeping further and further onto the Sun, leaving behind an increasingly thin crescent. Finally, the Sun disappears completely. Around the black circle that covered it, you can see the sun's corona - a silvery glow with blurred edges. Some illumination is provided by the dawn, an unusual lemon-orange hue, flashing across the entire horizon around the observer.
The moment of complete disappearance of the solar disk usually lasts no more than three to four minutes. The maximum possible time of a solar eclipse, calculated using a special formula based on the ratio of the angular diameters of the Sun and the Moon, is 481 seconds (a little less than 8 minutes).
Then the black lunar disk moves further to the left, exposing the blinding edge of the Sun. At this moment, the solar corona and glow ring disappear, the sky brightens, the stars go out. The gradually liberating Sun gives everything more light and warmth, nature returns to its normal appearance.
It is important to note that in the northern hemisphere the Moon moves along the solar disk from right to left, and in the southern hemisphere, on the contrary, from left to right.
Main types of solar eclipses
The area of the globe on which the above can be observed total solar eclipse, is always limited by a narrow and long strip formed in the path of the cone-shaped shadow of the Moon, rushing along the earth's surface at a speed of more than 1 kilometer per second. The width of the strip usually does not exceed 260-270 kilometers; its length can reach 10-15 thousand kilometers.
The orbits of the Earth around the Sun and the Moon around the Earth are an ellipse, so the distances between these celestial bodies are not constant values and can fluctuate within certain limits. Thanks to this principle of natural mechanics, solar eclipses are different.
At a much greater distance from the total eclipse band, one can observe partial solar eclipse, which in common parlance is often also called partial. In this case, for an observer located in a place outside the shadow band, the orbits of the night and daylight bodies intersect in such a way that the solar disk is only partially covered. Such phenomena are observed much more often and over a much larger area, while the area of a solar eclipse can be several million square kilometers.
Partial eclipses occur annually in almost every part of the globe, but for most people outside the professional astronomical community, they go unnoticed. A person who rarely looks at the sky will see such a phenomenon only when the Moon covers the Sun halfway, i.e. if its phase value approaches 0.5.
Calculation of the phase of a solar eclipse in astronomy can be done using the formulas varying degrees difficulties. In the simplest version, it is determined through the ratio of the diameters of the part covered by the Moon and the total diameter of the solar disk. The phase value is always expressed only as a decimal fraction.
Sometimes the Moon passes from the Earth at a distance slightly greater than usual, and its angular (apparent) size is less than the apparent size of the solar disk. In this case there is annular or annular eclipse: The sparkling ring of the Sun around the black circle of the Moon. At the same time, observing the solar corona, stars and dawn is impossible, since the sky practically does not darken.
The width of the observation band with a similar length is significantly higher - up to 350 kilometers. The width of the penumbra is also greater - up to 7340 kilometers in diameter. If during a total eclipse the phase is equal to one or maybe even greater, then during an annular eclipse the phase value will always be greater than 0.95, but less than 1.
It is worth noting an interesting fact that the observed diversity of eclipses occurs precisely during the period of existence human civilization. Since the formation of the Earth and the Moon as celestial bodies, the distance between them has been slowly but continuously increasing. When distances change, the pattern of a solar eclipse generally remains the same, similar to that described above.
More than a billion years ago, the distance between our planet and its satellite was smaller than it is now. Accordingly, the apparent size of the lunar disk was much larger than the size of the solar one. Only total eclipses with a much wider shadow band occurred; observation of the corona was practically impossible, as was the formation of annular eclipses.
In the distant future, millions of years from now, the distance between the Earth and the Moon will become even greater. The distant descendants of modern humanity will only be able to observe annular eclipses.
Scientific experiments for amateurs
The observation of solar eclipses at one time helped to make a number of significant discoveries. For example, back in the days of the ancient Greeks, the sages of that time drew conclusions about the possible movement of celestial bodies and their spherical shape.
Over time, research methods and tools made it possible to draw conclusions about chemical composition our star, about the flows in it physical processes. A well-known chemical element helium was also discovered during an eclipse observed by the French scientist Jansen in India in 1868.
Solar eclipses are one of the few astronomical phenomena available for observation by amateurs. And not only for observations: to make a feasible contribution to science and record the circumstances of rare natural phenomenon anyone can do it.
What can an amateur astronomer do:
- Mark the moments of contact of the solar and lunar disks;
- Record the duration of what is happening;
- Sketch or photograph the solar corona;
- Participate in an experiment to clarify data on the diameter of the Sun;
- In some cases or when using instruments, prominences can be seen;
- Take a photograph of the circular glow on the horizon line;
- Make simple observations of environmental changes.
Hence the main rule for observing the sun: be sure to wear eye protection. These can include special light filters for telescopes and binoculars, and chameleon masks for welding work. As a last resort, simple smoked glass will do.
What a solar eclipse looks like - watch the video:
It is relatively safe to observe only a short period, only a few minutes, while the total eclipse lasts. Take special care in the initial and final phases, when the brightness of the solar disk is close to maximum. It is recommended to take breaks from observation.
In ancient times, a solar eclipse was perceived with horror and admiration at the same time. In our time, when the reasons for this phenomenon became known, people's feelings have remained virtually unchanged. Some are looking forward to it in the hope of observing this majestic phenomenon, others with some concern and anxiety. I wonder if there will be a solar eclipse in 2018 in Russia?
A little about the cause and types of solar eclipse
In our age of enlightenment, even a schoolchild knows why a solar eclipse occurs. For those who have forgotten the essence of what is happening, we remind you that a solar eclipse occurs due to the covering of the solar disk by the Moon. The overlap can be complete or partial. Such an event can occur during the full moon and for a very short time. The maximum time of a solar eclipse barely reaches 7.5 minutes. It happens:
- complete when the lunar disk completely blocks the Sun for human vision on Earth;
- private when the Moon partially covers the Sun;
- ring-shaped- at this time, the disk of the Moon completely covers the disk of the Sun, but the rays of our star are visible along the edges of the lunar disk.
The last type of eclipse is the most beautiful for all lovers of unusual natural phenomena and the most interesting from the point of view of astrologers and specialists in astronomical science. An annular eclipse is very rare and is therefore highly anticipated. Only a small ring of light remains in the sky for a few minutes.
When will there be a solar eclipse in 2018
Next year there will be only three such natural phenomena. Moreover, only one of them can be observed on Russian territory. It is not surprising that Russians are already interested in what time and where the solar eclipse will take place in Russian Federation, because in order to observe this beautiful event, which lasts only a short time, you need to know the exact time. This table gives a complete picture of the upcoming phenomena in 2018:
| date and time | Where will the solar eclipse take place? |
| 02/15/18 at 23-52 pm. | A partial eclipse can be seen in the south South America and in Antarctica. |
| 07/13/18 at 06-02 M.T. | The partial eclipse will be observed in Antarctica, on the far southern coast of Australia, in Tasmania and in the Indian Ocean in the area of Australia and Antarctica. |
| 08/11/18 at 12-47 m.v. | A partial eclipse will be seen by residents in Greenland, Canada, the Scandinavian countries, northern and central parts of Russia, regions of Siberia and Far East, in the northeastern part of Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia. |
Impact on all living things
Solar eclipses do not pass without leaving a trace for all living organisms on our planet. Almost all animals become restless and try to hide. The birds stop chirping and singing. Vegetable world and he leads as if night had fallen. The human body is also going through hard times. Negative processes begin approximately two weeks before the eclipse. The same period continues after a natural phenomenon. Persons suffering from cardiovascular diseases and hypertension are especially affected. Severe stress Elderly people are also affected. Their chronic illnesses worsen and a feeling of anxiety appears. People with weak mental health may become depressed or act rashly. Even healthy people become irritable and prone to showdowns. Signing serious financial or legal documents is not recommended these days. Businessmen should not enter into business agreements or contracts.
Scientists do not find an explanation for such changes in human body. Astrologers, who have long been observing the influence of planets on people, do not advise planning anything these days. They recommend taking care of your inner world or read a book, or listen to calm, relaxing music. Church ministers generally advise praying.
At the same time, life does not stand still these days. Some die, others are born. Experts in astrological science have long noticed that children born on the days of eclipses, as a rule, become extraordinary individuals. Very often nature rewards them with great talent.
Cautions
According to astrologers, all solar eclipses are cyclical. The cycle duration is 18.5 years. Everything that happens to you during the days of eclipses continues over the next eighteen and a half years. In this regard, during these critical days it is not recommended:
- start something new;
- undergo surgery;
- quarrel, get angry and irritated over trifles.
What can you do on critical days?
During the days of solar eclipses 2018, it is better to say goodbye to the past once and for all. You need to clear your home of trash and old things and let in new energy to transform your life. You can go on a diet if you decide to become slim and beautiful. It is recommended to cleanse your body and forget about bad habits. Some psychics advise you to sort out your thoughts, “sort everything out” and make plans for the future. At the same time, you need to clearly imagine your dream and imagine that it has practically already come true. If everything is done meaningfully and correctly, it will give a huge impetus to the implementation of the most incredible solutions. The only thing that needs to be noted is that dreams should be realistically achievable, and not exorbitant.
And also, do not despair if you were not able to see this miracle of nature. There will still be eclipses in your life, and more than one. The next eclipse that we will see in Russia will take place on 08/12/26.
- The longest eclipse of this century was the one that took place on July 22, 2009.
- The speed of our satellite's shadow on the surface of our planet during an eclipse is approximately 2 thousand meters per second.
- The solar eclipse is so beautiful because of an interesting coincidence: the diameter of the planet is four hundred times greater than the lunar diameter and at the same time the distance to the satellite is four hundred times less than to our star. In this regard, only on Earth can a total eclipse be seen.
On March 20 this year, there will be a total solar eclipse that will block up to 90 percent of the sun. The eclipse will be the largest event in the last 16 years. On this day, the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. A solar eclipse could cause temporary power outages across Europe. The eclipse will occur on the afternoon of Friday 20 March and will begin at 7:41 UTC (Universal Time) and end at 11:50 UTC.
· Start of solar eclipse: 12:13 Moscow time
· Maximum phase of solar eclipse: 13:20 Moscow time
· End of solar eclipse: 14:27 Moscow time
Maximum solar obscuration: 58 percent
A total eclipse will be observed in eastern Greenland, Iceland, the Svalbard archipelago and the Faroe Islands. Russia, Europe, northern and eastern Africa and northern and eastern Asia will experience a partial solar eclipse.
The last time a total solar eclipse of this magnitude occurred was on August 11, 1999, and the next one will take place in 2026. In addition, the eclipse could disrupt solar power supplies and lead to power outages.
Remember not to look directly at the Sun during sun exposure, as this may cause permanent eye damage. To observe, you need to use special solar filters.
The eclipse falls on the equinox and new moon, and the Moon will reach lunar perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. The spring equinox occurs on March 20, 2015 at 22:45 UTC (March 21 1:45 Moscow time). It represents the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator. On the day of the equinox, the length of night and day is the same and is 12 hours.
March's new moon will be a supermoon, which, although not visible, will have a larger than normal impact on Earth's oceans. An eclipse occurs when heavenly body, for example, the Moon or planet passes into the shadow of another body. There are two types of eclipses that can be observed on Earth: solar and lunar.
During a solar eclipse, the Moon's orbit passes between the Sun and the Earth. When this happens, the Moon blocks the sun's light and casts a shadow on the Earth.
There are several types of solar eclipse:
Full - it is visible in certain areas of the Earth that are in the center of the lunar shadow falling on the Earth. The Sun, Moon and Earth are in a straight line.
Partial - This eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are not exactly in line and observers are positioned in the penumbra.
Annular - occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from the Earth. As a result, it does not completely block the solar disk, but appears as a dark disk around which a bright ring is visible.
