Pete Mendoza
The “Great American Eclipse” is going to fly over North America and bring complete darkness in its path April 8, crossing Mexico, the United States and Canada.
UTRGV Assistant Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy Juan Madrid explains an eclipse is the alignment of the Earth, sun and moon.
“Well, what we’re going to have in a couple of weeks here in Texas is what we call a total solar eclipse and that’s when the moon is going to block most of the light that comes from the sun,” Madrid said. “So in that case, what we’re going to have is total darkness in the middle of the day.”
He said the most recent eclipse in the United States was in 2017 and after this next eclipse, the U.S. will not see another one until 2045.
Madrid said people enjoy the event because of the eclipse’s beauty.
“It is still relevant today because it’s a very beautiful, natural phenomenon,” he said. “You can even see the brightest stars in the sky, but you also see the outer layers of the sun that you usually don’t see.”
Madrid said there are a few locations in Texas that will experience the path of totality.
“It’s going to cross the border by Eagle Pass,” he said. “It’s going to continue through San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and then that path is going to continue north through Ohio and Maine.”
He said in Brownsville and McAllen the moon will block out 88% of the sun’s light.
He added the entire process of the eclipse will take several hours in which those who want to watch the development must use special eclipse glasses to prevent damage to eyes. Those that are in the path of totality can view the eclipse without the glasses.
According to the American Astronomical Society website, the eclipse will last about four minutes and 28 seconds depending on location.
The assistant professor said it is a beautiful event that would be a great experience to witness, especially since the event will not happen in the U.S. for another 20 years.
For more information on the “Great American Eclipse,” visit the American Astronomical Society Website.
This is Pete Mendoza for Vaquero Radio.
