Increase frequency of solar eclipses

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter LightningInAJar
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the frequency of solar eclipses, particularly in Buffalo, where the last total solar eclipse occurred in 1925. Participants explore hypothetical scenarios to increase eclipse frequency, such as decreasing the Moon's size and stabilizing its orbit. They note that moving closer to the equator could increase the likelihood of witnessing total eclipses, while also mentioning that total solar eclipses occur approximately every 18 months, predominantly over oceans. The conversation highlights the complexities of eclipse frequency, influenced by factors like latitude and time of day.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lunar and solar eclipses
  • Knowledge of celestial mechanics and orbital dynamics
  • Familiarity with geographical factors affecting eclipse visibility
  • Basic grasp of statistics related to astronomical events
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of lunar and solar eclipses
  • Study the effects of latitude on eclipse visibility
  • Explore celestial mechanics related to the Moon's orbit
  • Investigate statistical models for predicting eclipse occurrences
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of solar eclipses and their frequency across different geographical locations.

LightningInAJar
Messages
273
Reaction score
36
TL;DR
Hypothetically how can solar eclipses be increased?
I'm near Buffalo and our last total solar eclipse was in 1925 and it looks like the one tomorrow will also be cloudy. What could increase the frequency if we could play god? Decrease the moon's size and orbit, stabilize its wobble in its orbit, etc? Without affecting the gravity effects on earth is there anyway to increase the frequency in most cities to once every 25 years? I don't know if Buffalo gets another on this side of a millennium.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Once in a 100 years is ”lucky”. The world average is a total eclipse around once every four centuries.

If you move closer to the equator you may somewhat increase the rate as the ”risk” of an eclipse being annular would decrease (closer to the Moon).
 
Reply
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters and FactChecker
Move the Moon's orbit so it lies very nearly in the ecliptic plane. You get monthly eclipses, with totality wandering a little. It probably affects tides, but I don't think you get anything too severe.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: collinsmark
LightningInAJar said:
What could increase the frequency if we could play god?
Just a remark: sometime along the boom of low cost airlines there was a remarkable increase in the frequency of news about expected faraway eclipses.
So - no need to play god: you can just book a flight, as soon as the book for the date is open :wink:
 
As often happens, the great Tom Weller has the answer,
1712577905782.png

(It's just as serious as this thread)
 
Reply
  • Haha
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DaveE, jtbell and FactChecker
Does anyone know the typical surface of totality during an eclipse? I want to figure how much that compares to earth's total surface area. According to the news a total solar eclipse happens every 18 months or so, but usually over the ocean. I want to figure the odds.
 
LightningInAJar said:
Does anyone know the typical surface of totality during an eclipse? I want to figure how much that compares to earth's total surface area. According to the news a total solar eclipse happens every 18 months or so, but usually over the ocean. I want to figure the odds.
The odds are not that simple. They depend on things like latitude, time of day, etc.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad New Developments In The Search For Planet X
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Effect of Moon's Orbital Speed on Frequency of Solar Eclipses
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
12K
Stargazing How can I safely view a solar eclipse?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Undergrad I need some support, please, for a gravity assist analysis
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
8K
Causing periodic storm events on a fictional planet
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad How Big of an Object Orbiting Closer to the Sun Than Earth Could Be Overlooked?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Undergrad Changing the ISS's orbital inclination to match the Moon
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Is a superflare capable of changing a planets orbit?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Undergrad Black Hole Event Horizon Hypothesis
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K