How the Solar Eclipse Happen

How the Solar Eclipse Happen

On 9th March 2016, a total solar eclipse occurred and could be seen from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and even Hawaii. Many people all over the world were quiet enthusiast with this phenomenon because it was a very rare phenomenon. In fact, a total solar eclipse last occurred in 1983 in Indonesia which means that was a long time ago. A total solar eclipse only happens once every 33 years in Indonesia meaning that the next total solar eclipse will happen in 2049 (“Solar eclipse of March,” 2017).

However, how exactly does the solar eclipse occur? In short, a solar eclipse occurred when the moon is between the sun and the earth (“Indonesia: Panasonic Broadcasts,” 2016). While the moon on this position, it covers sun’s light from being directed on the Earth (“Indonesia: Panasonic Broadcasts,” 2016). Thus creating a shadow on the Earth and making the moon or the sun look black. This phenomenon is called a solar eclipse.

A moon’s shadow that reached the earth has three distinct parts. Those parts are antumbra, penumbra, and umbra. Antumbra is a little moon’s shadow that lies beyond the umbra resulting in annular solar eclipse, but this is incredibly rare to happen. Penumbra is a moon’s shadow that did not fully covered the sun’s ray resulting in partial solar eclipse. Whilst umbra fully covered the sun’s ray resulting in total solar eclipse. This umbra is the very reason why the total solar eclipse of 9th March 2016 in Indonesia occurred (“What's a Solar Eclipse?,” n.d.).

A solar eclipse can also be dangerous to the eye resulting in a serious eye damage and even total blindness caused by the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun’s light. The condition is called a solar retinopathy. A retina that get excess exposure from the sun would get this condition because the retina released a flood of chemicals that can cause damage to it. This damage will not produce any pain which makes many people unaware of it (S. Pappas, 2012).

A solar eclipse is an exquisite natural phenomenon. Nevertheless, in some cultures in Java, solar eclipse have been related to supernatural causes or regarded as bad omens. A solar eclipse can also lead to eye damage. So be sure to wear an eclipse glasses or a telescope when looking at the solar eclipse.