Interesting facts about the total Solar Eclipse on July 2, 2019

Eclipses of the sun and moon are rare, spectacular and highly interesting occurrences. Depending on the position of the earth moon and sun during the eclipses, they can be partial or total meaning they will be hidden from the sight for a brief period of time either partially or fully. Tuesday, July 2, 2019 will see one such interesting solar eclipse which will occur in the southern hemisphere of the earth roughly on the South Pacific Ocean region.

Why the world is highly excited about the July 2 solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will happen when the sun, moon and earth come in a straight line in such a fashion that the moon’s position will block the sun’s rays falling on the earth.

The July 2, 2019 solar eclipse is going to be the only total solar eclipse for this year while the others will be partial ones. The duration of this total solar eclipse will be 4 minutes 33 seconds.

In August 2017, the world witnessed yet another total solar eclipse which lasted for about 2 minutes 40 seconds. Hence the July 2, 2019 solar eclipse will be a bit longer than the earlier one.

Though the July 2 solar eclipse will move through a path of about 6,000 miles, only a narrow region in the Pacific Ocean and South America will fall in the route of totality, says a report released on the total solar eclipse by the Weather Channel.

July 2 solar eclipse will cast a totally dark shade over some regions in the countries of Chile and Argentina and some remote areas of the Pacific Ocean. Some countries adjoining the South America will see a partial eclipse.

A report from Space.com says that the majority of the July 2 solar eclipse will occur over the Pacific while the partial eclipse will start at 10.25 pm IST.

Unique aspects of July 2 total solar eclipse

Only a small portion of the earth will be able to witness the totality of the July 2 solar eclipse as the majority of the eclipse will occur on the Pacific Ocean. Only from Chile and Argentina people will be able to see the total solar eclipse.

During the time of solar eclipse, India will have night time. Hence this eclipse cannot be seen from India.

From three observatories of the world the viewers situated in the optimal position can view the totality of the eclipse for about 4 minutes and 33 seconds.

Viewing the eclipse can sometimes prove to be disastrous to the astronomical equipment. If the equipment is exposed to direct sunlight even for a minute, the optics of the telescope can be ruined.

The Exploratorium and NASA have partnered with each other for live broadcasting of the total solar eclipse from 7:23 PM and 9:46 pm (UTC).

The longer duration of the total solar eclipse on July 2 will make it possible to see darker skies and more number of stars. An enhanced view of the sun’s extended corona will be visible during the moments of the eclipse.