6 replies to this topic

[oldtimer]

Actually, they are not so rare. Worldwide there will be 14 total solar eclipse's world wide. It's just the fact that the USA represents less than 2 percent of the world's area that makes them rare in the USA. Many happen over oceans (60 percent of the world surface). Cruise ships make a fortune by booking Eclipse cruises.

 

Gary (oldtimer)    

[marvyyk]

Hum... 

 

You should read this... 

 

https://www.astronom...eclipses-occur/

"On average, 2.38 solar eclipses of one kind or another occur each year. There must be at least two per year, but there can’t be more than five. More than 72 percent of all years have just two solar eclipses, and only 0.5 percent have five."

 

or this

 

https://www.timeandd...ar-eclipse.html

 

Clear sky, but for next Monday, I will have clear day 

[dcaponeii]

Actually, they are not so rare. Worldwide there will be 14 total solar eclipse's world wide. It's just the fact that the USA represents less than 2 percent of the world's area that makes them rare in the USA. Many happen over oceans (60 percent of the world surface). Cruise ships make a fortune by booking Eclipse cruises.

 

Gary (oldtimer)    

This is all true but doe a specific geographic location the statistics are that on average it's something like 150 years between total eclipses.  If you're are not traveling to see total eclipses that makes it a once in a lifetime even for those folks.
 

[oldtimer]

Yes there are many solar eclipses (of different types) each decade but my research only considered 'Total' solar eclipses.

 

Gary (oldtimer)

[maj]

Of the “billions and billions” of stars, how many planets could there be with a spherical moon having an orbital radius, size, and separation perspective to perfectly block the star on the surface of that planet.  Even on earth, we’re living in a relatively brief period of geologic time when this happens.  It probably won’t be the same in a few million years.

[grzesznypl]

Actually, they are not so rare. Worldwide there will be 14 total solar eclipse's world wide. It's just the fact that the USA represents less than 2 percent of the world's area that makes them rare in the USA. Many happen over oceans (60 percent of the world surface). Cruise ships make a fortune by booking Eclipse cruises.
 
Gary (oldtimer)

Which is ultimately wrong. According to many sources oceans make 70% (70.8% to be exact). So when you posting facts double checking them would be wise.

Secondly, the fact is that during the 21st century, there will be 224 solar eclipses of which 68 will be total, 72 will be annular, 77 will be partial, and 7 will be hybrids. (Wikipedia). 14 Total Solar Eclipses this century have already happened. Is that what were you referring to in the first post? I am having hard time figuring out how you came with that 14 total eclipse worldwide number.

And they are rare because of the fact that most people will not travel to see them. For example last total Solar eclipse in state of Connecticut happened in 1925 and next one will in 2079. That's 5 generation of people. So unless you travel that's once in lifetime event if it happens at all.

[WillR]

This is all true but doe a specific geographic location the statistics are that on average it's something like 150 years between total eclipses.  If you're are not traveling to see total eclipses that makes it a once in a lifetime even for those folks.
 

I think it’s more like every 350 to 400 years for any given location. I went out today at 2:30. It was completely clear. I thought “Wouldn’t it be lovely if today were the eclipse and the path of totality went right through my yard.”

 

That’s what makes stargazing from home so special. The wonders of the heavens are always right there from your own yard.