Solar eclipse of June 8, 1937

A total solar eclipse occurred at the Moon's descending node of orbit on Tuesday, June 8, 1937, with a magnitude of 1.0751. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's apparent diameter is larger than the Sun's, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness. Totality occurs in a narrow path across Earth's surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of kilometres wide. The path of totality crossed the Pacific Ocean starting in Gilbert and Ellice Islands (now belonging to Tuvalu and Kiribati) on June 9 (Wednesday), and ending at sunset in Peru on June 8 (Tuesday). At sunrise totality lasted 3 minutes, 6.8 seconds and at sunset totality lasted 3 minutes, 5.1 seconds. American astronomy professor Ethelwynn Rice Beckwith traveled to Peru to see this eclipse, and described the event in detail for the Oberlin Alumnae Magazine in 1937, in an article titled "Three Minutes in Peru."

With a maximum eclipse of 7 minutes and 4.06 seconds, this was the longest total solar eclipse since July 1, 1098, which lasted 7 minutes and 5.34 seconds. A longer total solar eclipse occurred on June 20, 1955.

Observations
Scientists from the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand observed the total eclipse in Canton Island, Phoenix Islands. The American expedition was organized by the National Geographic Society and assisted by the United States Navy. This total solar eclipse was memorable for three reasons: first, the duration of totality was particularly long with the longest point in eastern Pacific exceeding 7 minutes; second, despite being in the tropics, weather was good for all observation sites; third, broadcasts were made through radio before, during and after the eclipse through long distances so people could hear the details.

Eclipses in 1937

 * A penumbral lunar eclipse on May 25, 1937.
 * A total solar eclipse on June 8, 1937.
 * A partial lunar eclipse on November 18, 1937.
 * An annular solar eclipse on December 2, 1937.

Metonic

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of August 21, 1933
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of March 27, 1941

Tzolkinex

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of April 28, 1930
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of July 20, 1944

Half-Saros

 * Preceded by: Lunar eclipse of June 3, 1928
 * Followed by: Lunar eclipse of June 14, 1946

Tritos

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of July 9, 1926
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of May 9, 1948

Solar Saros 136

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of May 29, 1919
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of June 20, 1955

Inex

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of June 28, 1908
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of May 20, 1966

Triad

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of August 7, 1850
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of April 8, 2024