TXST professor: Coming eclipses promise celestial spectacle

FEATURED FACULTY

Jayme Blaschke | October 6, 2023

Central Texas is about to experience a celestial rarity: a pair of solar eclipses six months apart. Sightseers and amateur astronomers from around the world are expected to flock to the state to take in the spectacle. 

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, with the moon appearing to temporarily block the sun. 

On Oct. 14 San Marcos viewers will be treated to an annular eclipse beginning at approximately 10:24 a.m. and peaking at 11:54 a.m. A total solar eclipse will follow on April 8, 2024.

“The main distinction between the upcoming annular and next year's total eclipse lies in the visual appearance,” said Blagoy Rangelov, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Physics at Texas State University. “An annular eclipse occurs when the moon covers the center of the sun but not completely—the moon is a bit farther out in its orbit and it appears smaller than the sun. 

“Thus it leaves a ring-like appearance called an ‘annulus,’ also called a ‘ring of fire,’” he said. “A total eclipse happens when the moon completely covers the sun.” 

Ahead of the eclipse, Rangelov will host a discussion, “Exploring Solar Eclipses: From Ancient Myths to Modern Science” from noon-1 p.m. on Monday, October 9, at the Alkek Library on the San Marcos campus. Rangelov will share information on the science behind these celestial events and their impact on nature. He will take attendees on a journey through time to uncover ancient myths from various cultures and learn about the transition to modern scientific understanding. The event is free and open to the public. 

For those planning to observe the eclipse on their own, Rangelov cautioned to avoid looking directly at the sun with the naked eye and to never point a telescope or binoculars at the sun. 

“It is important to use proper eye protection when viewing the eclipse to prevent serious eye injury,” Rangelov said. “Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. Only eclipse glasses are safe to use. Other safe viewing methods include pinhole projectors or solar viewing projectors.” 

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has instructions for making a box pinhole projector on the NASA Goddard Youtube channel.