SOLAR ECLIPSE 2022. A solar eclipse occurs on October 25. It will be visible in France. At what time ? Where ? Can we look at it without glasses?
[Mise à jour le 25 octobre 2022 à 10h19] An eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are perfectly aligned. A solar eclipse takes place this October 25 and will be visible in France. Do not look directly at the Sun, without special glasses with filter film (to CE standards), a solarscope (screen projection) or an astronomy instrument. Sunglasses are not enough: risks for the retina (serious retinal damage) are very real, so be careful!
Is the eclipse of October 25 total or partial?
In 2022, there are two solar eclipses: one on April 30 and another on October 25. That of October 25 is a partial eclipse of the sun and will be seen in France, especially in the East. “The Moon will only cover 2.8% of the surface of the Sun in Biarritz while in Strasbourg, the covered area will be 19%” inform astronomy enthusiasts of the site Stelvision. She will visible in the middle of the day : at 11.55 a.m. in Brest; 12:01 p.m. in Bordeaux; 12:02 p.m. in Paris (maximum of the eclipse (13.7% of the sun obscured)); 12:59 p.m. in Lyon; 1:07 p.m. in Strasbourg; 1:04 p.m. in Nice.
Definition: what is an eclipse?
The term “eclipse” comes from the verb “eclipse” synonymous with “hide”. A solar eclipse takes place when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. The three stars are therefore perfectly aligned, which leads to the temporary disappearance of the Sun in the shadow of the Moon. There are several types of eclipse:
- The total eclipse: the star disappears completely
- The partial eclipse: the star partially disappears
- The annular eclipse: it is a partial eclipse which reveals a ring of the star (like that of Thursday June 10, 2021)
Can you watch an eclipse without glasses?
No. If looking directly at the sun can be dangerous for the eyes, during a solar eclipse it is even more true because the luminosity changes suddenly with the reappearance of the solar disk. “Ultraviolet and infrared rays from the sun can irreversibly burn the retinaassures Dr. Monique Quillard, general practitioner. All you have to do is stare at the sun for a few seconds. The phenomenon is all the more dangerous as it is painless. Victims of this type of burn will not realize it until a few hours later, with the onset of severe headaches“. Children must be especially protected. Their eyes are more fragile than those of adults, because the lens allows more rays to pass. People with eye disease must also be very vigilant and protect themselves. So no eclipse without glasses!
What glasses to wear to watch an eclipse?
Of the “special eclipse” glasses are sold out a few days before the event. You will find them at the big type brands. Nature&Discovery, Fnac or Decathlon, or from tobacconists and newsagents. They are generally sold between 2 and 3 euros each. Make sure they wear the CE marking (European Community) and a INRS reference number. It is advisable to use only new glasses to avoid any risk of deterioration of the surface after long storage, without special protection, in our homes, advises the Paris Observatory.
► Do not make your own glasses by observing the sun through a CD or an X-ray. Similarly, conventional sunglasses are not sufficient and will not protect your eyes.
What are the dates of the eclipses in 2023?
The next solar eclipse of 2022 will take place in October and will be visible in France. An eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are perfectly aligned. Here is the table of the next solar eclipses:
| Solar eclipse date | Hour of maximum visibility (Paris) | Eclipse type |
|---|---|---|
| October 25, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. | Partial |
| April 20, 2023 | Non visible | Total |
| October 14, 2023 | Non visible | Annular |
| April 8, 2024 | Non visible | Total |
| October 2, 2024 | Non visible | Annular |
| March 29, 2025 | 12:01 | Partial |
When will the next total eclipse be?
The next total solar eclipse in mainland France will take place on September 3, 2081.
What are the differences between solar and lunar eclipse?
The solar eclipse differs from the lunar eclipse which occurs when the Earth slips between the Moon and the Sun.
How to watch an eclipse with sheets of paper?
To take no risk, the easiest way is to observe the eclipse by projection. “At home, take two sheets of white paper. Make a pinhole in the center of one of the pieces. With your back to the sun, hold the sheet with the pinhole facing you, so that the sun shines through the pinhole and reflects off the other sheet of paper. An image of the eclipse will be projected on the second sheet. The quality of the solar eclipse you can observe with this simple device is truly amazing.“, recommends Dr. Quillard. The “solarscope” is a practical and inexpensive means (device available in specialized shops).
Thanks to Dr Monique Quillard, general practitioner.