As he reported Digital lookOn April 8, there will be a total solar eclipse, one of the most exciting astronomical events ever seen. At that time, the phenomenon could be seen along a strip covering three states in Mexico, 15 states in the United States and four states in Canada. According to NASA.
About the solar eclipse:
- A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on a specific area of the planet and completely or partially blocking the sunlight.
- There are three known types of this phenomenon: partial, annular and total;
- There's also a fourth, rarer pattern, which practically mixes them all: hybrid solar eclipses (like the one in April last year);
- On April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur that can be seen in North America.
In the image below, we see the so-called path of totality, where the Moon's inner shadow will move across North America. The extension is 185 km long and 13,000 km long, and originates and dies in oceanic regions. As is clear, the percentage of partial eclipse visualization decreases as the ranges become farther away.
As the adoption of solar energy increases in the United States, a question arises: How will this event affect the country's energy production?
Possibility of power outages during a solar eclipse
Because solar eclipses are highly predictable, scientists have been able to pinpoint exactly when and where they will occur — for more than 25 centuries. This predictability allows electric grid operators to prepare for a potential drop in power generation during the eclipse.
Although the sun is completely obscured for only four minutes along the path of the total eclipse, the entire event lasts a few hours. This means that the amount of sunlight available to the solar panels will temporarily decrease.
During the 2017 eclipse, resources such as natural gas and hydroelectric power were mobilized to compensate for lower demand, which is expected to be repeated this time. In addition, electricity storage systems are ready to be activated if necessary.
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For homeowners who generate their own electricity using solar panels, losing power during an eclipse shouldn't be a big problem. The electrical grid and storage systems have the ability to make up for temporary shortages.
Although a solar eclipse does not pose an immediate danger (unless you look directly at the sun without protection), it is important to be aware of the risks. With millions of people expected to move to areas located in the path of the total eclipse, authorities are issuing warnings and preparing for an increase in the number of visitors.
This includes directions for local residents to stock up on essential supplies and fuel, as well as warnings about the dangers of driving after the eclipse. The eclipse may also affect air traffic, albeit indirectly.
