The annular solar eclipse of October 2, 2024 will be an extraordinary celestial event. When the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, it will create a ring of fire visible from parts of the Southern Hemisphere. But how quickly will this event unfold across the planet?
Why does eclipse speed vary?
The speed at which the Moon’s shadow moves during an eclipse will vary depending on your geographic location. The shadow is not uniform and will move as it crosses different parts of the Earth. The curvature of the Earth, combined with the changing distance between the Moon and the ground below, affects how fast the shadow travels across the surface.
Where the shadow will move the fastest
In some areas, especially when the eclipse is just beginning or ending, the moon’s shadow will race with incredible speed. At these extreme points, the Moon’s shadow will exceed 10 million km/h. This rapid movement occurs when the shadow strikes Earth at a sharp angle, causing the eclipse to flash across the sky in just a few moments.
Where the shadow will move the slowest
At certain points, especially over the Pacific Ocean, the eclipse will slow down dramatically. In this area, the moon’s shadow will crawl at a speed of approximately 2057 km/h. This is where the eclipse will last the longest, and the ring of fire will remain visible for several minutes, allowing observers to enjoy the view of this unique event for a long time.
What causes speed fluctuations?
The different speeds are caused by several factors. An eclipse begins when the Moon’s shadow first makes contact with Earth, which occurs at a steep angle, causing the shadow to move rapidly. As the eclipse progresses, the shadow begins to hit Earth more directly, slowing it down. The last factor is the distance between the Moon and the Earth, which is constantly moving and additionally affects the speed.
