On April 8, 2023, one of the most spectacular astronomic events will take place: a total solar eclipse. This rare celestial phenomenon occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking out the sun’s light and creating a stunning display in the sky. The next total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of North America, Asia, and the Pacific. If you’re planning to witness this incredible event, there are ten things you need to know. From the best viewing locations to how to safely observe the eclipse, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about the April 2023 solar eclipse.
On April 20, 2023, the world will witness a solar eclipse which will sweep through Southeast Asia and Australia. This once-every-10-years event will see the moon cross the face of the sun, appearing to those along a narrow path of totality that will stretch from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. This narrow path is the path of totality for the eclipse and is a mere 25 miles (40 km) wide as it meets Australia. The lighter shading on the map represents areas that will experience a partial eclipse.
Here are 10 things you need to know about the upcoming solar eclipse:
1. A Once Every 10 Years Eclipse
The solar eclipse of April 20, 2023, is a rare event that occurs once every decade. The total phase of the eclipse is where the moon blocks all of the sun’s disk, and appears to those along the narrow path of totality. This path stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific and is 25 miles wide where it meets Australia.
2. Who Gets Totality?
The path of totality passes over three countries: Australia, East Timor and Indonesia. In Australia, the path of totality just nicks a small peninsula called North West Cape, which is about 700 miles (1,100 km) north of Perth. The rest of Australia and a big portion of Southeast Asia will see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun.
3. A Golden Era for Australia
This eclipse kicks off a remarkable run of five total solar eclipses for Australia in 15 years.
4. A Partial Eclipse for Almost 1 in 10 People
According to population figures calculated using raw population data from the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) at Columbia University, a total of around 375,000 Australians, Timorese, and Indonesians live in the path of totality for the April 20 eclipse. This is a relatively small number compared to the 693 million people, roughly 9% of the world’s population, who live in the area of the globe covered by a partial eclipse.
5. Crowds in North West Cape
Australia’s North West Cape is sparsely populated, with only 3,000 or so people living in Exmouth, the peninsula’s largest town. However, thousands of visitors are likely to flock to the town to watch the eclipse. Exmouth will have 58 seconds of totality on April 20, starting at 11:29 in the morning, local time.
6. Totality Passes over a Solar Observatory
The Learmonth Solar Observatory lies about 18 miles (30 km) south of Exmouth. Jointly operated by the Australian government and the United States Air Force (USAF), it monitors emissions from the sun that can affect things like radio communication, satellites and auroras.
7. A Hybrid Eclipse Can Produce a Unique Sight
During a hybrid eclipse, it’s not possible for a single observer to see both a total and an annular eclipse. It’s either one or the other, depending on where the observer is along the eclipse path.
8. This New Moon Precedes the End of Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan – a time of fasting and prayer for Muslims around the world – starts and finishes with the appearance of a waxing crescent moon after the new moon phase. This year, depending on the country, Ramadan began on March 23 or 24 and will end on April 21, 22 or 23, following the new moon of April 20, the same new moon that will produce the solar eclipse across Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country.
9. Watch the Eclipse Live
As always, timeanddate.com will be streaming the eclipse live. Steffen Thorsen – timeanddate’s CEO and Chief Eclipse Chaser – will join Matt Woods of Perth Observatory on a site 13 miles (20 km) south of Exmouth. Weather permitting, they will capture about 1 minute and 3 seconds of totality.
10. Eye Safety Is Important
Never look at the sun without proper eye protection. Learn how to use eclipse glasses, and how to know your eclipse glasses are safe.
In conclusion, the solar eclipse on April 20, 2023, promises to be an incredible sight for those who are lucky enough to be in the narrow path of totality. With five total solar eclipses in 15 years for Australia, this event marks the beginning of a golden era for astrophotography enthusiasts. However, it’s important to remember to prioritize eye safety during the eclipse.
