Q&A with Dan Watson
What causes an eclipse of the sun? The shadow of the moon, as the moon passes between you and the sun. The moon’s shadow has two parts: the umbra, which is the central region, and the penumbra, which is the outer region. People in the path of the umbra will see a total solar eclipse whereas those on the area of Earth where the penumbra passes over will see a partial eclipse. Earth is bigger than the moon’s shadow, so where you’re standing on Earth makes a difference.Rochester in the Shadow
Dates past and future where the area now known as Rochester, New York, has been (or will be) in a total eclipse path.
How often do total eclipses of the sun happen?
In any specific place on Earth, about once per 400 years on the average. Paducah, Kentucky is extremely lucky to get two total solar eclipses within seven years—both this year and in 2024. Seeing a total eclipse is very exciting because it’s less frequent than once in a lifetime, unless you travel to see one.
Why don’t total eclipses of the sun happen more often?
They can only happen when the center of the moon lays between the earth and the sun, along the straight line connecting that place on Earth and the center of the sun. Because the moon’s orbit around the earth is tipped slightly from the earth’s orbit around the sun, this arrangement is rare.
How do we know when eclipses will happen?
Astronomers have measured the orbits of the moon and planets, and the position and speed of each in their orbit, extremely accurately. With these data, and computers, we can basically make movies of the motions of Earth and the moon: movies that cover as many years as we want, played in fast-motion. We can play the movies forwards or backwards, and find when the earth, moon and sun line up for an eclipse, in the future or the past.
How excited should I feel about this year’s partial solar eclipse in Rochester?
Moderately excited. Even though this year it will only be a partial eclipse, it probably won’t be clouded out. August is the best time to see an eclipse in Rochester because it is statistically the clearest month. The total eclipse in 2024 is in April, which is historically a cloudy month in Rochester.
What is it like during a partial solar eclipse versus a total eclipse?
During a total eclipse, it becomes like twilight for those two to three minutes of totality. Going from daylight to a period of relative darkness during the middle of the day is incredible to witness. During a partial eclipse, the sun will look like a crescent in the sky and the day will get a little darker, but it won’t be as striking as a total eclipse.
How can I safely watch a total or partial eclipse of the sun?
Only by watching a projected image of the sun or by using special glasses, like those made of aluminum-coated plastic. You should never look at the sun without proper eye protection. Even a brief glance can cause permanent damage to your retinas, although the effects may not be immediate.
- June 25, 745 BC
- March 1, 192 AD
- December 1, 411 AD
- July 21, 567 AD
- May 15, 831 AD
- December 10, 1349 AD
- June 16, 1806 AD
- January 24, 1925 AD
- April 8, 2024 AD
- October 26, 2144 AD
- June 3, 2505 AD
Where to view the partial solar eclipse on the River Campus:
Hajim Science and Engineering Quad, 1:00-4:00 pm- Solar telescope
- Tickets to view the eclipse from the Rush Rhees tower (available to the first 50 University ID holders)
- Eclipse viewing glasses
- Information posters, handout, and binder, information about the University’s AstroClub
- Live-streaming of NASA coverage, information handout and binder, information about the University’s AstroClub
- Live-streaming of NASA coverage, information handout and binder, information about the University’s AstroClub
- Live-streaming of NASA coverage, information handout and binder, information about the University’s AstroClub
- Rochester Museum and Science Center
- Many local libraries will be passing out solar glasses. Joe Altieri of the Astronomy Section Rochester Academy of Science (ASRAS) has a number of family-oriented activities scheduled for the day of the eclipse. He will be at Chili, Mendon, and Penfield libraries to talk about the myths surrounding the eclipse as witnessed and experienced by our ancestors, the physics of the eclipse, and safe viewing tips.