One of the longest solar eclipses on Earth darkened the sky 50 years ago. Here's how it happened.
Fifty years ago, on Saturday, June 30, 1973, one of the longest total eclipses of the sun in modern times took place.
prativad
Fifty years ago on June 30, 1973, one of the longest total solar eclipses of modern times took place.
It was an event that made headlines all around the world, because historically, there were very few total solar eclipses that matched the long duration of this particular event. Astronomer Dr. Charles H. Smiley (1903-1977) of Brown University, who at that time was a renowned expert in the field of solar eclipses noted that: "There are 2,495 solar eclipses between July 1, 1098 (Julian Calendar) and June 24, 2150 (Gregorian Calendar). Of these, the three with the longest duration of totality, are the eclipses of June 8, 1937, June 20, 1955, and June 30, 1973. Thus, over an interval of almost 1,052 years, the 1973 event ties the 1937 eclipse for second place."
Total solar eclipses occur when the sun becomes fully blocked out by the moon. While these celestial events happen a handful of times each year, they are rare for any one particular location. On average, a total solar eclipse will occur at any one specific location on Earth once every 375 years. In 2023, an annular solar eclipse will sweep a 'ring of fire' across North, Central and South America. The following year in 2024, North America will see a total solar eclipse being hailed as the "Great American Eclipse."
