Why Two Islands Will See A Total Solar Eclipse On Different Days

Forbes - Mar 30th, 2025

A total solar eclipse, dubbed the 'Great Bering Strait' eclipse, is set to occur on March 30, 2033, bringing darkness for up to two minutes and 37 seconds over parts of Alaska and the Bering Strait. Notably, the Diomede Islands in the Bering Strait, separated by the International Date Line, will experience this phenomenon 21 hours apart. This rare celestial event will impact regions such as Provideniya, Anadyr, and Uelen in Russia, as well as Nome, Utqiaġvik, and Kotzebue in Alaska. While only 67,600 people will witness totality, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in 45 U.S. states.

The timing of this eclipse coincides with peak aurora borealis viewing season, offering a potential double celestial spectacle. With minimal light pollution in Alaska and increased auroral activity near the March equinox, the event could draw significant attention from eclipse chasers and skywatchers. The 'Great Bering Strait' eclipse highlights both the geographical and temporal uniqueness of the Diomede Islands, underscoring the intriguing intersection of natural phenomena and human-imposed boundaries like the International Date Line.

Aurora Borealis Alaska Celestial Events Solar Eclipse Diomede Islands International Date Line Totality

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-structured and informative account of the upcoming total solar eclipse in 2033, with a unique focus on the Diomede Islands' time zone quirk. Its strengths lie in clarity and factual accuracy, particularly regarding the geographic and astronomical details. However, the story could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and methodology, as well as a broader range of perspectives to enhance balance. While the topic holds niche interest, its potential impact is largely educational, appealing primarily to astronomy enthusiasts and travelers. The article's readability is high, though it could improve engagement with more interactive elements or expert insights.

Accuracy

The story accurately describes the location and time zone difference of the Diomede Islands, noting that Big Diomede is in Russia and Little Diomede is in the U.S., separated by the International Date Line. This results in a 21-hour time difference, which is factually correct. The article also correctly identifies the date of the next total solar eclipse affecting Alaska and the Bering Strait as March 30, 2033. However, the claim that only 67,600 people will see the totality requires verification against sources like Timeanddate, which the story references but does not explicitly cite. The description of the eclipse path and its overlap with aurora borealis viewing season is plausible, but the likelihood of aurora visibility during the eclipse should be further verified.

Balance

The article primarily presents a factual account of the upcoming solar eclipse and its unique implications for the Diomede Islands. It does not delve into differing perspectives or potential controversies, focusing instead on the scientific and observational aspects of the event. While this focus provides a clear narrative, it omits perspectives from local communities or experts in astronomy, which could provide additional depth and context. The article could be more balanced by including insights from these stakeholders about the cultural or scientific significance of the eclipse.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the key points about the eclipse. The logical flow from the time zone explanation to the eclipse details and viewing opportunities aids comprehension. However, the use of technical terms such as 'umbral shadow' without explanation might confuse readers unfamiliar with eclipse terminology. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and effectively communicates the main message.

Source quality

The article references credible sources such as Timeanddate for eclipse data but lacks direct citations or quotes from experts in astronomy or local authorities. The use of a photo credit from Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2018 suggests reliance on reputable imagery sources, yet the text would benefit from more explicit attribution of data points and expert opinions. This would enhance the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the upcoming eclipse but does not disclose the methodology or sources behind the statistics and predictions it presents. There is no explanation of how the visibility figures were calculated or the criteria used to determine the potential overlap with aurora borealis viewing. Greater transparency regarding the basis of these claims would improve the reader's understanding and trust in the article's content.