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The annular solar eclipse on October 2, 2024, will be a remarkable celestial event. When the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, it will create a ring of fire visible from parts of the Southern Hemisphere. But how fast will this event unfold across the planet?

Why the Eclipse Speed Varies

The speed at which the moon’s shadow moves during the eclipse will differ based on your geographical location. The shadow is not uniform and will shift as it crosses different parts of the Earth. The curvature of the Earth, combined with the changing distance between the moon and the ground below, affects how quickly the shadow travels across the surface.

Where the Shadow Will Move the Fastest

In some areas, particularly when the eclipse is just beginning or ending, the shadow of the moon will race at incredible speeds. At these extreme points, the moon’s shadow will exceed 10 million km/h. This rapid movement occurs when the shadow hits the Earth at a sharp angle, causing the eclipse to flash across the sky in just moments.

Where the Shadow Will Move the Slowest

At certain points, particularly over the Pacific Ocean, the eclipse will slow down dramatically. In this region, the shadow of the moon will crawl at speeds of approximately 2,057 km/h. This is where the eclipse will last the longest, with the ring of fire remaining visible for several minutes, allowing observers to enjoy a prolonged view of this unique event.

What Causes the Speed Fluctuations?

The differing speeds are due to several factors. The eclipse begins when the shadow of the moon first makes contact with the Earth, which occurs at a steep angle, causing the shadow to move quickly. As the eclipse progresses, the shadow begins to strike the Earth more directly, slowing it down. The final factor is the distance between the moon and the Earth, which constantly shifts and further influences the speed.

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SpaceX Boosts NROL-48 in Key U.S. Intelligence Mission

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SpaceX successfully launched NROL-48 on Sept. 22, 2025, for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The mission deployed small satellites into orbit, supporting the “proliferated architecture,” a strategy to boost resilience by using many small spacecraft for surveillance and intelligence.

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Study Links Microbial Colonization to Ancient Meteorite Crater: What You Need to Know

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A Swedish team has precisely dated microbial life in Finland’s Lappajärvi crater. Isotopic traces show bacteria colonized the hydrothermal system just a few million years after the meteorite impact, thriving for millions of years. The finding suggests impact craters on Earth and Mars may provide lasting habitats for life.

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SpaceX Moves Starship to Launch Pad for Final Version 2 Test Flight

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SpaceX has moved its next Starship spacecraft to the launch pad at Starbase, Texas, signaling preparations for Flight 11. This test flight will be the last mission of Starship Version 2, following Flight 10’s success with splashdowns and satellite deployment.

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