This October 14, 2023, a partial solar eclipse will darken the skies of the Antilles and Guyana. A rare event, to be observed from 1:06 p.m., But watch out for your eyes! Special equipment, such as special eclipse glasses, is imperative to observe the phenomenon.
You will have to look up to the sky this Saturday, October 14, at midday. Hoping it clears.
An annular solar eclipse, a rare astronomical phenomenon, will occur. Thus, the moon will slip between the Earth and the Sun, without completely covering the latter, leaving see that a “ring of fire” in the sky.
A ring of fire which will only be visible in a narrow band, indicates theInstitute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation.
If the people of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guyanese will be able to observe the phenomenon, it will only be partial.
It is only part of the solar disk that will be obscured by the moon. So, there are residents of the west coast of the United States, Central America, notably Nicaragua and part of Brazil who will have the chance to admire an annular eclipse with an occultation of the order by 90%.
Grégory Potiron, director of the Archipelago of Sciences
The area in which observers will be able to see the eclipse will concern the American continent which it will cross from one side to the other. Of the’western United Statespassing through the Gulf of Mexicothere Yucatan Peninsulabefore following theCentral America. She will continue in South America, then will cross there ColombiaTHE Brazil to finish in theAtlanticoff the eastern tip of Brazil.
But the West Indians and Guyanese will still be able to observe a phenomenon of great beauty.
In Fort-de-France, the obscuration of sunlight will still be 43.5%, 59.3% in Cayenne, 40.7% in Pointe-à-Pitre, 53.2% in Haiti , 68.1% in Havana and 65.1% in Kingston.
IMCCE, Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation
The Archipelago of Sciences will organize several activities for the occasion, on the boulevard of the town hall, in Bouillante, this Saturday. From midday, workshops explaining the phenomenon and an introduction to astronomy. Before the show…
The eclipse will begin at 1:06 p.m. and last until 4:10 p.m., approximately. The maximum occultation will take place around 2:40 p.m. with an altitude of around 42 degrees at Sun level. Knowing that 90 degrees is really when the Sun is vertical to our position. Above our heads… 42 degrees is halfway to the horizon.
Grégory Potiron, director of the Archipelago of Sciences
A spectacle to be admired only with suitable equipment. A safety point insisted on by the director of the Archipelago of Sciences.
It is imperative to protect yourself. Either with approved filters, observation glasses, telescope or binoculars. Otherwise, use special eclipse glasses. They should not be used for more than 3 seconds continuously. And especially not with the naked eye. Not with a welding helmet, not with x-rays, not with sunglasses. These are tools which slightly attenuate, which give the impression that one can observe directly but the ultraviolet rays which pass irreversibly damage the ocular tissues. You can partially or completely lose your sight.
Follow the event live on October 14, 2023: