How Patagonia is preparing for the next annular solar eclipse

2024-07-28 04:30:00

One of the most anticipated astronomical events for students of the universe will take place in Patagonia. This is the next annular solar eclipse, which will occur on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 It can be seen from the Aysen region (Chile) and north of Santa Cruz (Argentina).

The phenomenon will be closely watched by the Osiris Astronomy Group, which brings together teachers and students from Rio Negro High School. This is a space dedicated to the teaching of observational astronomy and is part of the “Observing the Sky” extension project between the National University of Río Negro (UNRN) and the Elbagins School of Continuing Teacher Training.

The team will visit Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz, where they will set up observation points during the eclipse. In preview, its members are responsible for spreading key messages to enjoy the event risk-free.

so, What is a solar eclipse? as explained Diary of Rio Negro Diego Galperin, a UNRN professor and initiator of the Miradas Al Cielo project, believes that this is “a very special event” that occurs when “the moon passes in front of the sun for a period of time.”

Technically, a solar eclipse occurs because one star’s shadow is cast onto another star, making partial or full observation of any celestial object impossible. The word comes from the Latin eclipsis, which in turn comes from the Greek “ékleipsis,” meaning “to disappear.”.

In particular, the October lunar eclipse will be “annular,” meaning it will occur as the moon passes through the most elongated phase of its orbit. This tiny distance prevents complete coverage of the Sun, instead creating an effect commonly referred to as a “ring of fire.”

The Osiris Astronomy Group brings together teachers and students from Rio Negro High School.

“Rings sometimes appear when the Moon is farther away because the celestial body’s orbit is not circular but elliptical. This slight difference in distance makes the Moon appear smaller in the sky and does not completely cover the Sun. , so a bright ring is visible around it,” Galperin explained. In this case, the sun will only be 86% covered.

In order to observe the formation of the “Ring of Fire”, the Earth, Moon and Sun must be aligned. This is only possible in a small swath of southern South America that begins in Region XI of Chile and stretches to the Santa Cruz province of Argentina. Specifically, it can be seen first in the towns of Cochrane and O’Higgins (Chile), then in Las Horquetas, Bajo Caracoles, Patagonia Park, Last seen in Puerto San Julian and Puerto de Seado (Argentina).

It is also partially observable from Neuquen and Rio Negro, although only 70% to 50%. For example, the darkness level in the capital city of Neuquén will reach 59.75%, and the duration of darkness will last 2 hours and 39 minutes. It will start around 4pm and end before 7pm.

“On October 2 there will be a solar eclipse. Part of the ban will be seen from Bariloche or Roca, while the areas that have been lifted will be in the province of Santa Cruz,” he added.

The Osiris Group recently published an article at the Virtual Astronomy Education and Communication Conference (I EVEDA 2024) detailing the specifics of the Patagonia-focused event.

What do you recommend watching?

It is important to avoid viewing without any protection as eye damage may occur. The Osiris community explains that there are two safe ways to appreciate it.

“You have to use two methods: special eclipse glasses – polymer filters – or use glass with a refractive index 14 welding mask. All other homemade methods (such as X-rays) will not work.

Meanwhile, indirect methods include setting up a camera obscura where you can see images of the eclipse,” Galperin said. Specifically, the last method consists of a long cardboard box or tube with aluminum foil or similar placed on one end to prevent light from passing through. A small opening must be made to allow the sun’s rays to pass through so that the image of the sun is projected onto a white sheet placed at the other end of the box or tube.

It can also be observed through a telescope. In fact, members of the group made a special trip to the small town of Perito Moreno, northwest of Santa Cruz, to admire it.

“We will move to the Patagonia Park, 60 kilometers south of Perito Moreno, close to the Hand Cave. There we will carry out public observations,” Galperin predicted.

For more information you can visit the following websites: www.eclipses.com.ar

What was the last solar eclipse in Argentina?

The last total solar eclipse recorded globally occurred on April 8, but was only visible from central Mexico, parts of the United States and Canada.

In Argentina, the last most important event took place on July 2, 2019, which can be viewed in San Juan, La Rioja, San Luis, Córdoba, Santa Fe and Buenos Aires Activity. For its part, the one on December 14, 2020 passed through Northern Patagonia.

In the future, the partial solar eclipse on February 6, 2027 will still exist, and its observation zone will be located in the northern Chubut Province, southern Rio Negro, and from the Esquel to the Colorado Mountains. The country won’t see another total solar eclipse until 2048.

There is a lot of theory and superstition surrounding such events. However, the Osiris group stresses that it has no impact on human life. “There are many beliefs, but they have no scientific basis. They are valid for those who believe them,” Galperin concluded.

What is the Osiris Group?

The Osiris group was born 20 years ago as part of the “Miradas al cielo” expansion program developed jointly with the National University of Río Negro (UNRN) and the El Bolsón School of Continuing Teacher Training. This is a space designed to teach sky observation to young people and adults.

There is more of an institutional component to explaining astronomy, communicating which institutions produced science in the country. ——Especially in this era when everyone has an opinion on everything and it is difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood——.

Memory of the El Bolson Astronomy Symposium.

Plus, we tell you why doing science is a good thing and how you can apply it to your daily life. On the other hand, we told him about our work – the study of the sky -” he commented Diary of Rio Negro, Gabriel Bengochea, Ph.D. in Physics, CONICET scientist and collaborator on the Osiris Group. Bengochea is also the founder of the Club of Amateur Astronomy of the Province of Buenos Aires (CAIFA).

Since 2015, the group has been working on developing a range of pedagogy-based research within UNRN. “We work on how to teach astronomy without leaving the Earth. For example, how to explain the seasons of the year or what happens during the day and night. For this, we delve into the concepts of the studied topic and analyze from them what we can Which teaching suggestions to apply. Then we put them into practice and evaluate them.

Extended projects also include organizing observations of astronomical events such as sky and solar eclipses, organizing astronomical competitions, developing broadcast micro-programs and disseminating films, and conducting courses at all levels of education.


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