First 2022 solar eclipse is happening this weekend — here’s what to know

This year Earth will experience four eclipses, two solar and two lunar ones. The first solar eclipse of 2022 is happening this Saturday, April 30. 

When the moon passes 750 miles below the South Pole tomorrow, its dark shadow cone (what causes a total eclipse) will miss the Earth. But the moon’s penumbra, its outer shadow, will pass part of the Southern Hemisphere which will cause a partial solar eclipse across the South Pacific, Southern Oceans and western South America. The solar eclipse will also occur during April’s “Black Moon” lunation (when there are two moons in a single month). 

What is a solar eclipse? 

A solar eclipse happens during a new moon phase when the sun, moon and Earth line up. This is a rarity because the moon’s orbit is 5 degrees off from a perfect alignment with Earth’s orbital plane. That means during a new moon phase the moon is more likely to pass above or below the sun, making solar eclipses less common. 

How can I view the solar eclipse on April 30? 

The best place to view the eclipse will be out in the Southern Ocean, “300 miles to the northwest of Yelcho Base, a Chilean Antarctic Research Base at South Bay, Doumer Island,” according to Space.com. During the solar eclipse, the horizon will show about two-thirds of the sun hidden behind the moon. 

The solar eclipse will not be visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Those in western South America, like Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, southern Peru southern Bolivia, western Paraguay and a small part of Brazil, will be able to catch the natural phenomenon.  

Eclipse start times in select cities (local time): 

Santiago: 4:32 p.m.

Ushuala: 4:46 p.m.

Asunción : 5:12 p.m.

La Paz: 5:38 p.m.

Buenos Aires: 5:42 p.m.

Montevideo: 5:43 p.m.

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