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Annular Eclipse in Puerto Vallarta...
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May 27, 2002
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One of the most surprising natural
phenomena -an Annular Eclipse of the Sun- will be visible
in our beautiful destination on June 10th around sunset
time. This marvelous happening promises to be a truly
spectacular natural spectacle.
The annular eclipse of the sun will
only be visible from the Pacific Ocean. However, nature
gave to Mexico and to Puerto Vallarta in particular
the privilege of having the only place on land from
where it can be seen at its fullest. Due to its geographical
location, Puerto Vallarta is the only town located within
the limits of the annular zone that will occur at 19:46
hrs., at sunset.
What is an Annular Eclipse of the Sun?
An eclipse of this type occurs when
the moon is between the sun and the earth but does not
block out the sun in its entirety. It only covers the
center part of the solar sphere, leaving an illuminated
ring all around a dark center.
Through a notable coincidence of
nature, the apparent diameter of the sun and the moon
are practically equal. That is why, from our perception,
both look equal in size. This effect of perspective,
added to the inclination of the moon's orbit, allows
our satellite to cover our sun from time to time. When
it does so, it projects a shadow on the earth's surface,
causing darkness to prevail along a specific path "in
full daylight". Those are solar eclipses.
Normally, there are three types of
solar eclipses. The total eclipse is when the moon totally
covers the visible surface of the sun and a path on
the earth's surface falls into darkness. During that
time, we can see the stars in the sky while the penumbra
is visible on the horizon. La sun's corona tries to
escape around the circumference of the moon, while within
the eclipse's path the temperature falls and both flora
and fauna get ready to start their typical nighttime
behavior.
Another is the partial eclipse of
the sun when the moon passes over the solar disk, but
without covering its surface entirely. And then there
is one type of eclipse that is quite interesting which
is the one we're dealing with on this occasion: the
annular eclipse of the sun. This kind of eclipse has
the same characteristics as those of a total eclipse
except for the small difference that the moon is farther
away from the earth so its diameter is
too small to cover our Astral King. Thus, although
the solar disk is hidden behind the moon, the solar
circumference is visible all around, forming a beautiful
ring of light around the dark silhouette of the lunar
disk. That is the phenomenon we will be able to see
on June 10th.
Once
again, Puerto Vallarta will be the center of the world's
attention and consequently all the world media will
be speaking our name to millions of people around the
world. Today, nature herself, besides gifting us with
such a unique place, will help us directly in the promotion
of our port.
Due
to the fact that no event of such magnitude will be
visible again in North American skies until the year
2017, we are expecting the arrival of numerous tourists
from our neighboring countries to the north, amateurs
of natural phenomena of this type. Also anticipated
is the presence of scientists and media from all over
the world that will result in this destination being
flooded with spectators of various nationalities, eager
to view and enjoy the eclipse in Puerto Vallarta. Among
the personalities scheduled to visit us is Mr. Fred
Espenak himself, better known and recognized around
the world as "Mr. Eclipse", creator of the
web site considered to contain the best information
on eclipses. In advance, I wish you all a heartfelt
welcome. "Mi casa es su casa".
"Thank
you, my God, because I know that You exist, because
in the natural phenomena, in the world and in life,
You are present. Thank you for the privilege You grant
us and the blessings You send us through such phenomena."
Hasta la próxima....
Jesús
de Avila - editor@pvmirror.com
Editor
Versión en español
- Click aquí
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