When is the next solar eclipse in the UK and US?
THOSE who missed today’s stunning “ring of fire” eclipse will have to wait until October 2022 for the next one.
The June 10 “ring of fire” eclipse was visible over the eastern coast of the United States as well as parts of Europe, including the UK.
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1) When is the next solar eclipse?
The next solar eclipse will be visible on October 25, 2022, from across Europe, northeast Africa, the Middle East, and West Asia.
It will be a partial eclipse – meaning only a small portion of the Sun will be rendered invisible as the Moon passes in front of it.
The Moon will partly obscure the image of the Sun for viewers on Earth, creating a spectacular effect for sky gazers.
The June 10 event was a “ring of fire” eclipse, named after the red halo that appears around the Sun during the alignment.
As the Moon covers the centre of the Sun, the edges will emit a glowing circle creating an illuminated “ring of fire”.
2) Where will you be able to see the solar eclipse in the UK and US?
The October 2022 eclipse will be visible over swathes of North America, including parts of the US and Canada.
In the UK, observers will see as much as 32 per cent of the Sun covered by the Moon.
The Moon will appear to take a bite out of the Sun at around 10:10 BST, according to TimeAndDate.com.
It will reach maximum eclipse about two hours later and then move off the Sun by 2pm BST.
3) When is the next total eclipse?
Solar eclipses are fairly common, with between two and five happening every year.
A total eclipse, in which the Sun is completely obscured, is visible from somewhere on Earth around once every 18 months.
The next total solar eclipse will be on December 4, 2021.
However, you’ll have to travel to Antarctica to see the total phase of the eclipse.
Parts of southern Africa, including soits in South Africa and Namibia, will see a partial solar eclipse.
Unfortunately, the UK will not see a total solar eclipse again until September 23, 2090.
4) What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse takes place when the sun, moon and earth align together in a straight line.
The moon blocks the sun’s rays and gives people a chance to witness its fiery corona.
Astronomer Patrick McCarthy is the vice president of the GMT and told the BBC that anyone who witnesses a solar eclipse is completely “mesmerised” by it.
“Going into a total solar eclipse is a remarkable feeling,’” he said.
“The colours get bluer, the shadows change and everything on the ground looks washed out. It’s as if the world is becoming darker, almost monochromatic.”
Stargazers will also want to check out our guide for when to spot every lunar eclipse until 2030.
Read about the wacky Blood Moon conspiracy theories here.
And read about the space mysteries Nasa still can’t explain.
Will you be tuning in to watch the solar eclipse? Let us know in the comments!
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