Solar eclipse of December 14, 2020

A total solar eclipse occurred at the Moon’s descending node of orbit on Monday, December 14, 2020,    with a magnitude of 1.0254. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's apparent diameter is larger than the Sun's and the apparent path of the Sun and Moon intersect, blocking all direct sunlight and turning daylight into darkness; the Sun appears to be black with a halo around it. Totality occurs in a narrow path across Earth's surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of kilometres wide, including parts of the Pacific Ocean, South America, southwestern Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Moon's apparent diameter was larger than average because the eclipse occurred only 1.8 days after perigee (on December 12, 2020).

Chile
Totality made landfall in Puerto Saavedra, before traversing through portions of Araucanía Region, Los Ríos Region, and a very small part of Bío Bío Region. Cities in the path included Temuco, Villarrica, and Pucón. Totality was also visible on Mocha Island. The eclipse's path was similar to the solar eclipse of February 26, 2017. It occurred just 17 months after the solar eclipse of July 2, 2019 and, like the 2019 eclipse, was also visible from Chile and Argentina. It was also a partial solar eclipse in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

Argentina
Totality was visible across the Northern Patagonia (specifically the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro), passing through cities including Piedra del Águila, Sierra Colorada, Ministro Ramos Mexía, Junín de los Andes, and partially in San Martín de los Andes and San Carlos de Bariloche.

Scientific observations
The ionospheric effects of the eclipse were expected to be monitored as part of the December 2020 Eclipse Festival of Frequency Measurement, a citizen science experiment organized through the Amateur Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI). Also, a prediction was made for a group of ionospheric stations in South America, using a numerical model (SUPIM-INPE), of the ionospheric response to this event.

Related eclipses
This eclipse took place one lunar year after the Solar eclipse of December 26, 2019.

Eclipses of 2020

 * A penumbral lunar eclipse on January 10.
 * A penumbral lunar eclipse on June 5.
 * An annular solar eclipse on June 21.
 * A penumbral lunar eclipse on July 5.
 * A penumbral lunar eclipse on November 30.
 * A total solar eclipse on December 14.

Metonic

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of February 26, 2017
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of October 2, 2024

Tzolkinex

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of November 3, 2013
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of January 26, 2028

Half-Saros

 * Preceded by: Lunar eclipse of December 10, 2011
 * Followed by: Lunar eclipse of December 20, 2029

Tritos

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of January 15, 2010
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of November 14, 2031

Solar Saros 142

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of December 4, 2002
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of December 26, 2038

Inex

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of January 4, 1992
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of November 25, 2049

Triad

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of February 14, 1934
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of October 16, 2107