Yogyakarta –
An eclipse is an interesting natural phenomenon. In short, we understand it as the process of covering the sun or moon until the earth becomes darker. It is true? Here’s a full explanation of the eclipse.
This eclipse phenomenon does not occur every day. According to an explanation from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), there will be a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. The affected regions are North America, Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Of course this interesting event should not be missed. To better understand what the eclipse will be like, let’s read the complete explanation below.
Understanding Eclipses
First of all, let’s start the discussion by defining the term eclipse itself. Adapting from the Big Indonesian Dictionary, an eclipse is defined as a partial or complete darkening of the moon/sun as seen from the earth.
In English, an eclipse is called an eclipse. This word is then interpreted as the event of darkening the light of the moon/sun due to the intervention of the earth between the moon/sun and the moon/sun, as cited by the Dictionary.com website.
On its official website, NASA states that an eclipse occurs when a celestial body, such as the Moon or a planet, moves into the shadow of another celestial body.
Types of eclipses
Eclipses can be divided into two large groups, namely lunar eclipses and solar eclipses. Of the two large groups, each has its own type.
1. Lunar eclipse
Citing a description from the website of the Directorate of Primary Schools of the Ministry of Education and Culture, a lunar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when part or all of the cross-section of the moon is covered by the earth’s shadow. Lunar eclipses are therefore divided into four types: total, partial, total and partial penumbral lunar eclipses.
– Total lunar eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire moon enters the shadow of the Earth’s core (umbra). The total duration of this type of eclipse can reach more than 1 hour and 47 minutes, as explained by Sukma Perdana Prasetya in the model entitled “Eclipse”.
– Partial lunar eclipse
Unlike a total lunar eclipse, in this type of eclipse only part of the moon enters the earth’s umbral region. Others fall into the earth’s additional shadow (penumbra).
– Total penumbral lunar eclipse
It is called a total penumbral lunar eclipse when the entire moon enters the penumbra at its maximum.
– Partial penumbral lunar eclipse
The last type of lunar eclipse is the partial penumbra. In this type, only part of the Moon enters the penumbra region.
As additional information, the penumbral lunar eclipse is not very interesting for observers. The reason is that, in this phenomenon, the appearance is almost identical to that of a normal full moon, which means there is almost no difference.
2. Solar eclipse
Unlike the lunar eclipse, the solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in a position between the earth and the sun. Even though the Moon is smaller, at a closer distance from the Earth, it can block the light of the Sun. Solar eclipses can be divided into total, partial and annular solar eclipses.
– Total solar eclipse
This type of eclipse can only occur when the sun, moon and earth are in a straight line. On Earth, only a small area will directly experience this eclipse.
– Partial solar eclipse
Unlike a total solar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse can only occur when the sun, earth, and moon are not completely aligned.
– Solar Eclipse Ring
When this type of solar eclipse occurs, the moon will appear to have a ring of light. The reason is that the moon can only cover part of the sunlight. Some of the discovered light is then seen surrounding the moon in light and is called a ring.
Process of occurrence of the eclipse
Eclipses, both lunar and solar, occur when the light from one of them is blocked due to the intervention of the Moon (for the Sun) or the Earth (for the Moon). The position of the Moon/Sun relative to the Earth determines the type of eclipse that will occur.
Looking at NASA, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the earth and the sun. At that time, the moon blocked sunlight so it could not reach the earth. When a solar eclipse occurs, the Moon will cast a shadow visible from the earth.
Meanwhile, a lunar eclipse occurs when this celestial body passes through the earth’s shadow. This phenomenon can occur approximately 2 times a year. Because it is blocked by the earth and enters the umbra region (the shadow of the earth’s core), the moon cannot receive light from the sun, resulting in a lunar eclipse.
Impact of the eclipse
So, what are the impacts caused by an eclipse? The following explanation is adapted from the Natural Sciences Theme Package 16 e-Form of the Ministry of Education and Culture:
1. Impact of a lunar eclipse
- Tides occur at maximum and cannot be controlled;
- Metabolism and behavior disorders of living beings (especially those active at night);
- The weather has become very extreme;
- Triggers seismic activity;
- The night is getting darker.
2. The impact of a solar eclipse
- If you look directly at the sun’s photosphere, it can cause retinal damage;
- Interruption of plankton life;
- Drop in temperature;
- The wind changes to become strong;
- Drop in atmospheric pressure;
- Increased air turbidity.
So, this is a complete explanation of eclipses, both lunar and solar, starting from the meaning, types, process of occurrence and impact. Let’s hope it’s useful, ok!
Watch the video “Annular solar eclipse phenomenon will occur this October”
(am/cln)
2024-01-24 04:44:36
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