Next week, a rare celestial event awaits us – a total solar eclipse coupled with a solar flare on 8th April 2024. The National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) predicts that solar flares will occur during the totality of the eclipse, visible when the moon obscures the sun from Earth’s view, leaving only its edges visible. It is along these edges that Earth observers may witness the plasma of the sun appearing to explode.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), these solar flare events are caused by internal activity within the core of the Solar System. This activity follows an 11-year cycle, reaching its peak this year.
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Regrettably, Indonesia will not directly witness this solar eclipse phenomenon as it will only be visible in select countries such as Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will commence on 8th April 2024, at 10:42 PM (Indonesia time) and conclude on 9th April 2024, at 3:52 AM (Indonesia time).
In its conclusion, BMKG clarified that the effects of solar explosions, including Earth’s magnetic storms, are relatively benign for Indonesia. Situated at low latitudes, Indonesia benefits from the strongest protection of Earth’s magnetic shield.
According to Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer from GreatAmericanEclipse.com, the total solar eclipse on 8th April 2024, is part of the Saros Eclipse 139 cycle. The pinnacle of this cycle’s total solar eclipse is anticipated to take place on July 16, 2186. This prediction was made using interactive maps and eclipse simulators for future events.
McGlaun further explained that the 2186 solar eclipse will coincide with the Sun being at its farthest point from Earth and in proximity to the equator. These characteristics are typically shared by all solar eclipses with an exceptionally long duration occurring on Earth. During this period, McGlaun noted that the Moon would appear significantly larger due to its relative proximity.
