Total Solar Eclipse From Space

Solar eclipses are among nature's most spectacular phenomena, captivating observers with their rare beauty and scientific intrigue. While many aspects of these celestial events are well-understood, some questions continue to puzzle scientists. Veritasium delves into these mysteries, exploring why certain regions experience more eclipses, the peculiar color changes of the sun during totality, and the elusive phenomenon of shadow bands.

The Uneven Distribution of Eclipses

One of the most striking patterns in solar eclipses is their uneven distribution across the globe. Data mapping all total solar eclipses between 2000 BCE and 3000 CE reveals that the Northern Hemisphere consistently experiences about 15% more eclipses than the Southern Hemisphere. This disparity is not random but is tied to the Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun and its axial tilt.

For a total solar eclipse to occur, the moon must appear larger than the sun in the sky, completely obscuring it. The moon's elliptical orbit means its apparent size varies throughout the month, increasing by up to 30%. Similarly, the Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun causes the sun's apparent size to vary. In July, the sun appears about 7% smaller than in January. This means there's a higher chance of a total solar eclipse around July. Coincidentally, July is also when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, experiencing summer. This alignment increases the likelihood of total eclipses occurring in the Northern Hemisphere during its summer months. Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere experiences more annular eclipses, where the moon appears slightly smaller than the sun, leaving a ring of sunlight. This is because the sun is closer during the Southern Hemisphere's summer.

This pattern is not static. Due to the Earth's precession (the slow wobble of its axis) and the gradual shift of its elliptical orbit, this distribution will flip. In approximately 9,500 years, the Southern Hemisphere will begin to experience more total solar eclipses.