Can we observe a 'once in a hundred years' total solar eclipse in Vietnam?

According to Space , the central band of this year's most anticipated solar eclipse is only about 185km wide and 16,000km long, passing through North and Central America. This means that astronomy enthusiasts in Vietnam will not be able to observe this phenomenon.

Millions of people in northern Mexico, the United States, and southeastern Canada will have the opportunity to observe a total solar eclipse with darkness covering the sky on April 8th at 10:50 AM local time (approximately 10:50 PM on April 8th in Vietnam). The first area where the eclipse will appear is identified as the city of Mazatlan, Mexico.

The central part of the eclipse is marked in dark orange. Only a partial eclipse is visible in the surrounding areas. (Photo: TIME AND DATE)

Additionally, most people in North America (except Alaska), as well as Central America and the far northern regions of South America, will have the opportunity to observe a partial solar eclipse.

The solar eclipse will end in Canada's easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador at 2:48 PM local time (early morning of April 9th in Vietnam).

One in a hundred total solar eclipses

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that the solar eclipse on April 8 is a "once in a century" astronomical phenomenon for many reasons.

First, it's a solar eclipse with a total obscuration lasting up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds in Mexico, the longest solar eclipse recorded in North America in the last 45 years. Many people will have the opportunity to observe this phenomenon as the eclipse passes over densely populated areas in 14 US states.

Secondly, solar eclipses occur at the time when the sun is most active in its 11-year cycle – known as the solar maximum – therefore the corona surrounding the "black sun" will be larger, clearer, and more spectacular.

Third, it's possible that the "demon comet" 12P/Pons-Brooks will appear simultaneously with a brilliant halo forming the shape of a horned devil's head. In that case, the comet will be located relatively close to Jupiter.

The last time a comet was observed during a total solar eclipse was on December 14, 2020, in Argentina and Chile.

Fourth, the "double diamond ring" phenomenon will appear. The "diamond ring" effect is an optical phenomenon that occurs just before and after the sun is completely obscured by the moon, due to a small amount of sunlight passing through gaps between the sun's peaks.

This will create a bright ring of light around the moon as well as a "diamond" perched on one side.

The shapes of a solar eclipse as observed from Earth. At this time, the moon is positioned to partially or completely obscure the sunlight. (Photo: AP)

What is a total solar eclipse?

NASA explains that a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely obscuring the sun's surface. Those observing the eclipse from locations where the moon's shadow completely covers the sun, known as the total eclipse path, will experience a total solar eclipse.

During a solar eclipse, the sky becomes dark in the middle of the day. When weather permits, people living along the path of a total solar eclipse will see the sun's halo, or outer atmosphere, which is often obscured by the sun's bright surface.

If you have the opportunity to observe a solar eclipse, viewers should be aware of the safety guidelines for viewing this astronomical phenomenon. The only time it is safe to view a solar eclipse without protective eyewear is when the moon completely obscures the sunlight.

Viewers should use specialized glasses for viewing solar eclipses. If using handheld devices such as telescopes, binoculars, or cameras, solar filters are required.

Tra Khanh (Source: Space)

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