A brief media circus has predictably developed around the partial eclipse visible this evening in France. Sensationalist reporting always “forgets” to mention that a partial eclipse is completely unremarkable, not really even worth viewing, even with overpriced, scarce, special viewing glasses.
The problem is that since the sun is so bright, even if just a sliver of the sun’s surface is visible, the effect is much the same as if there were no eclipse at all. Sunlight gets a bit dimmer, but nothing else changes. This is in dramatic contrast to the spectacular appearance of a total eclipse, when the moon completely hides the sun. The difference between total and partial is like night and day, in more ways than one.
The last total eclipse in France occurred in 1999, and it was a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime treat for those fortunate enough to observe it. The next total eclipse visible in Paris won’t be until 2081. Partial and annular eclipses occur more often, but they are always disappointing, no matter what the media claim.
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