Solar eclipses are more common than you think

A total solar eclipse was an event. The responses from those who have crossed the path of perfection confirmed its sheer “greatness.” The total solar eclipse also did something else. It exposed all the hyperbole about humanity’s fate and unsubstantiated links to climate change. Here in the United States, it may have been given special emphasis because of the overall route covering such accessible and densely populated areas. Understood. But solar eclipses actually happen more often than you think, so there’s a learning moment from this week’s Science in the Spotlight.

According to NASA, it’s actually about two to five a year. Website. The rarity aspect is how often it occurs in a particular location.according to University of Missouri “In a particular location, a total solar eclipse only occurs once every 360 to 410 years,” said astronomer Haojing Yang, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The next time he is seen in parts of the United States is in 2044. laterthe total solar eclipse will pass through most of the lower 48 states.

But how do scientists know when that will happen? Simple orbital mechanics. According to NASA’s website, “Astronomers must first understand the geometry and dynamics of how the Earth and Moon orbit the Sun under the influence of the gravitational fields of these three bodies. If we throw in Newton’s laws of motion, we can calculate information about the motion of celestial bodies. The website goes on to say, “Scientists input the current positions and velocities of the Earth and Moon into these complex equations, and ‘integrate’ these equations forward or backward in time to determine the Moon’s relative position. Program a computer to calculate . and the sun as seen from a vantage point on Earth. ”Accuracy is usually within a minute. My March Madness predictions were terrible, but science can predict solar eclipses over decades to centuries.

By the way, if you have Eclipse Fever, the table below shows your chances in the coming years. However, if you live in the United States, you may have to fly or take a boat. If you want to track future solar eclipses, check out this NASA Website useful.

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