Path Of Totality, Umbra And Penumbra

27 Mar. 2023

Get ready for the 2024 April 8th solar eclipse : read the guide.

Solar eclipses are rare due to specific conditions. On October 14 2023, an annular solar eclipse will be visible from the United States. We, at Vaonis, plan to record it with our smart telescopes Vespera and Stellina. Before the event, here’s some information about the phenomenon. We will discuss the observation conditions and the different zones from where you can observe an eclipse.

The path of totality

During a solar eclipse, the Moon’s shadow covers the Sun, creating a shadow zone where the phenomenon can be observed. When a total eclipse occurs, the area where the eclipse can be seen is referred to as the “path of totality”.

Sources : Space.com

The movement of the Moon’s shadow on Earth is from West to East. The term used to describe the projection of the shadow on Earth throughout its journey is “shadow band.” The width of the shadow band fluctuates based on the Moon’s apparent size, and can extend to 250 kilometers if the apparent diameter is significant.

To observe solar eclipses, it is recommended to position oneself along the path of totality

During a total solar eclipse, five phases can be observed from the path of totality.

The first is when the Sun and Moon touch for the first time, called the first contact. The Moon then progresses until the Sun is completely obscured, known as the second contact. The two bodies are perfectly aligned at the maximum eclipse. The third contact is when the Sun reemerges, and the last contact marks the end of the eclipse.

Penumbra

A total solar eclipse can only be seen from the path of totality. However, the eclipse can be observed from a wider area. On both sides of the totality band, there is a phenomenon of penumbra. For those who cannot travel to the path of totality, being in the zone created by the penumbra may offer an alternative to observe a partial eclipse where only a part of the sun is hidden by one side of the moon.

Some recommendations for your Eclipse observations

Here are a few recommendations we have before you get ready to pack for this once-in-a-lifetime tripe.

Whether you own a Vespera or a Stellina, don’t forget to order your Vespera Solar Filter or Stellina Solar Filter to ensure an optimum observation.
Read our article about “Observing the Sun with Vespera and Stellina” on our blog so that you know exactly how your instrument works with its associated filter
Read our article “Tips To View A Solar Eclipse” to get our best tips for eclipse observations