2017’s Eclipse Preceded by- The Last Total Solar Eclipse Before 2017 – A Look Back
When was the last total eclipse before 2017? The last total solar eclipse that occurred before 2017 took place on August 21, 2017. This celestial event was a rare and spectacular sight for millions of people across North America, making it one of the most anticipated astronomical phenomena of the century.
The total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, was a unique event as it was the first total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States since 1979. The path of totality, where the moon completely covered the sun, stretched from Oregon to South Carolina, creating a “Great American Eclipse.” This eclipse was also significant because it was the first total solar eclipse visible from the United States since 1918, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
The path of the total solar eclipse was a narrow band that crossed over the United States, and millions of people traveled to witness this extraordinary event. The path of totality was about 70 miles wide, and the duration of the total eclipse varied from about 2 minutes to 2.5 minutes, depending on the location.
The last total solar eclipse before 2017 occurred on July 11, 2009. This eclipse was visible from parts of China, the Pacific Ocean, and the South Pacific region. The path of totality was shorter and less accessible compared to the 2017 eclipse, with a duration of around 3 minutes and 47 seconds.
Total solar eclipses are rare events, occurring only when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, completely covering the sun’s disk. These events are even more rare when they are visible from a particular region on Earth. The total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, was a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature and the fascination that humans have with celestial events.
