Antarctica Is About to Be Plunged Into 2 Minutes of Night after Months of Daylight

 

(Jordon Conner/Unsplash)

Since October, the sun hasn't set in Antarctica. The southernmost continent on the planet is currently experiencing a long summer's day, which lasts from mid-October to early April.

On Saturday, December 4, however, darkness will descend across West Antarctica's ice. A total solar eclipse will occur when the Moon passes exactly in front of the Sun, covering its light.

The line of completeness passes across the overlapping portions of the Argentine, British, and Chilean Antarctic Territories, as well as the unclaimed Marie Byrd Land. In the otherwise months-long period of daylight, areas along the trail will see nearly 2 minutes of darkness.

Meanwhile, a modest partial eclipse will be visible from the southernmost points of South America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The eclipse will occur early in the morning in South America and Africa, and late in the evening in Australia and New Zealand.

The Moon's goodnight kiss

 

The Moon will appear to kiss the top-left of the Sun as it falls into the horizon. Hobart will view the biggest eclipse of all Australia's capital cities, yet only 11 percent of the Sun's surface will be covered. This reduces to just 2% in Melbourne, and it's hardly visible in Canberra — the Sun is crossing the horizon as a tiny eclipse happens.

In New Zealand, the situation is similar. The Moon will block 4% of the Sun in Invercargill, when the Moon passes past the Sun's left side. However, as you go north to Queenstown, the eclipse of the setting Sun is barely apparent.

In fact, if you weren't aware of it, you'd have no idea the eclipse was taking place. We don't detect any difference in daylight until roughly 80% or more of the Sun is hidden.

 

The Article Is originally Published By Science Alert. Read The Original Article Here.