Impressive partial solar eclipse to be visible across Latvia on August 12
On Wednesday evening, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across Latvia, with the Moon covering up to four-fifths of the Sun’s diameter at its peak. Astronomers call it one of the most impressive such events in recent years.
On Wednesday, August 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across Latvia. Astronomers describe it as one of the most impressive eclipses of recent years, so observers are advised to find a spot with a clear view of the western horizon.
At maximum, the Moon will cover up to four-fifths of the Sun’s diameter. In Riga, the eclipse begins at 20:06, reaches its peak at 20:57, and the partially eclipsed Sun sets at 21:11. Timings will differ in other parts of the country because of sunset: in the east, maximum phase will almost coincide with sunset, while in the west there will be about 20 minutes between maximum eclipse and sunset.
Historical context
Although solar eclipses once frightened people and inspired legends, today such events can be predicted to the minute. According to NASA, the August 12 eclipse will be a large-scale event: it will be visible across much of Europe, while observers in a narrow band of totality will see the Sun completely blocked by the Moon for a short time. The total eclipse will be seen in Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small part of Portugal.
In Latvia, the last total solar eclipse occurred in 1954, and the next one is not expected until 2142.
