The upcoming solar eclipse on Monday will offer a modest spectacle in the Canary Islands, with the Moon covering a mere 2% of the Sun’s surface from 20:17 hours. Despite its limited visibility, observers are encouraged to seek high vantage points, ideally overlooking the ocean, for a captivating view as the lunar disc briefly intersects with the solar disc.
Alfred Rosenberg, a researcher at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), emphasized that this event will occur close to the horizon, lasting until around 20:27 hours, just after sunset.
While regions like Canada and the United States will experience a total solar event, in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as in Pontevedra and A Coruña, only a partial dimming will be observable. The Canary Islands will witness the Moon obscuring approximately 2% of the Sun as it sets over the ocean.
Despite its minor scientific significance, Rosenberg highlights the visual appeal of observing the overlapping of the two celestial bodies, although it will not be as pronounced due to the obstruction caused by Tenerife. Nonetheless, this presents a rare opportunity to glimpse a phenomenon that won’t be fully visible in the archipelago until 2243, when a total solar eclipse is forecasted.
ECLIPSE WARNING: AVOID DIRECT GAZING AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROTECTION
While eagerly awaiting future eclipses, including a near-total eclipse in the north of Lanzarote in 2078, it’s important to prioritize safety when observing the Sun. Rosenberg advises against looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, as its intense rays can cause eye damage. Protective eyewear and caution are essential for a safe viewing experience, ensuring enjoyment without risking harm to vision.
