I have found several values for the maximum possible total eclipse on the Internet (7mins 31sec, 7min 40sec and 7min 45sec seem the most popular) but none for the maximum possible annular. I need to know that the answers I get are reliable though, so please don't just quote a value you've found elsewhere - I need to know how you have derived your answer! I'm also not interested in the longest values that have occurred throughout history (or will occur in the future) as there are lots of lists of those. What I am after is the duration(s) that would occur if all factors leading to long times were present simultaneously, ignoring the fact that they could not do so in reality. On the other hand the scenarios must be realistic, so such things as orbital tilts and orbital times and distances must be possible, though not necessarily at the same time of course. Don't worry about giving a complex answer as I'm reasonably at home with the concepts of planetary geometry etc. Thanks!
2006-11-24 03:41:24 · 2 answers · asked by Steve H 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
And in response to robdunf, there is a great deal of difference between taking physically possible parameters and combining them in a way that, as it happens, would not occur in practice and just inventing parameters in order to get any old result! Sensible answers only from now on please.
2006-11-24 04:18:30 · update #1
How can you say theoreticallly then ask us to prove summat... so theoretically its eternity, scientifically its an instant. You are asking us to ignore all laws of physics but give a common sense answer... thats philosophy.
2006-11-24 03:57:16 · answer #1 · answered by robdunf 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well the max is 8min which depends on the eclipse. it depends on distance of sun to moon & to earth. calcu these distance and they might info u to the required detail.
2006-11-24 05:42:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋