The citizens of the Island will be able to see a hybrid solar eclipse on April 20, as confirmed by José Rubiera, a physicist and meteorologist.
Through a column published on the digital portal Excellenciesthe expert indicated that this phenomenon is characterized by starting as an annular solar eclipse, in which the moon does not completely cover the sun, leaving a ring of light around the solar disk.
The particular thing about this phenomenon is that the ellipse phase will last only 76 seconds, and it will become both an annular and total eclipse at some point.
“These eclipses, which are both annular and total at some point in their existence, are called hybrid eclipses, and it must be said that they are very rare. There will only be four of them in the entire 21st century, ”he indicated.
This phenomenon will be visible in other parts of the world, such as in the United States, where it can be seen at 8:30 p.m. Central time in the country, and will be broadcast live on NASA’s YouTube channel.
An eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the light. These phenomena can be total or partial. During a total eclipse, the Moon covers the entire disk of the Sun, so only the outer atmosphere of the star remains visible.
Experts have emphasized that this is a very rare phenomenon, since the last hybrid eclipse was recorded almost 20 years ago.
These hybrid eclipses are not that common, taking decades to occur, the last one being 18 years ago. This year it will be on Thursday, April 20, and according to NASA it will go from Cancel to Total and vice versa. pic.twitter.com/IgLexQg20w
— Natural History MX (@MHNCA_CDMX) April 16, 2023
Like the other solar eclipses, the phenomenon that will occur on April 20 should not be observed directly, as it can cause irreparable damage to the eyes, instead special glasses or projection devices should be used.
The next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, and will be visible from Mexico, the US, and Canada.
