The images made the rounds on social networks: on Monday, lucky inhabitants of parts of the USA, Mexico and Canada were able to witness a total eclipse of the sun, a rare phenomenon, especially in Europe. But for Parisians, when will we be able to witness such a spectacle from our little balconies?
When’s the next total eclipse in France?
First of all, let’s be clear about what we’re talking about. On April 8, the inhabitants of North America were able to admire a beautiful solar eclipse, i.e. a few impressive minutes during which the moon was positioned in such a way as to obscure the sun, plunging onlookers into darkness in the middle of the day for a few moments. And the best part? The eclipse was total, meaning that the entire sun was obscured!
So when will it be our turn to observe such a phenomenon? France last experienced a total solar eclipse in April 1999, 25 years ago. And while the next eclipse is still two years away, it will unfortunately be a partial one. And for the next total eclipse, according to NASA specialists, we’ll have to wait until September 3, 2081 to be able to witness the phenomenon from northern France.
This means that the next totally visible eclipse in France will be several decades away, but those who are able to experience it will be in luck, as the next one will take place in 2090, nine years later! This is a blow to all those who want to witness the phenomenon at any price, but rest assured that a total eclipse will be visible from Spain and northern Portugal on August 12, 2026! A more viable solution than waiting 57 years!
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