The following table contains the Besselian elements for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2002 Dec 04 .
The geographic coordinates of the eclipse path are listed in the Path Table . The global visibility of the eclipse is shown on an Orthographic Map . The path of the eclipse is displayed in greater detail on an Google Map .
Besselian Elements for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2002 Dec 04
Equatorial Conjunction: 07:39:48.5 TDT J.D. = 2452612.819311
(Sun & Moon in R.A.) (=07:38:44.0 UT)
Ecliptic Conjunction: 07:35:25.4 TDT J.D. = 2452612.816266
(Sun & Moon in Ec. Lo.) (=07:34:21.0 UT)
Instant of 07:32:15.4 TDT J.D. = 2452612.814067
Greatest Eclipse: (=07:31:10.9 UT)
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Gamma = -0.3020 Ephemerides = VSOP87/ELP2000-85
Eclipse Magnitude = 1.0244 Lunation No. = 36
ΔT = 64.4 s Saros Series = 142 (22/72)
Lunar Radius k1 = 0.272488 (Penumbra) Shift in Δb = 0.00"
Constants: k2 = 0.272281 (Umbra) Lunar Position: Δl = 0.00"
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Geocentric Coordinates of Sun & Moon at Greatest Eclipse (VSOP87/ELP2000-85):
Sun: R.A. = 16h41m50.9s Moon: R.A. = 16h41m32.9s
Dec. =-22°13'29.2" Dec. =-22°31'05.1"
Semi-Diameter = 16'13.6" Semi-Diameter = 16'21.5"
Eq.Hor.Par. = 08.9" Eq.Hor.Par. = 1°00'02.3"
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Polynomial Besselian Elements for: 2002 Dec 04 08:00:00.0 TDT (=t0)
n x y d l1 l2 μ
0 0.186190 -0.354458 -22.22650 0.544165 -0.001963 302.48074
1 0.5532552 -0.1309131 -0.005297 0.0000834 0.0000830 14.997265
2 0.0000145 0.0001806 0.000006 -0.0000125 -0.0000124
3 -0.0000098 0.0000022
Tan ƒ1 = 0.0047437 Tan ƒ2 = 0.0047201
At time t1 (decimal hours), each Besselian element is evaluated by:
a = a0 + a1*t + a2*t^2 + a3*t^3 (or a = Σ [an*t^n]; n = 0 to 3)
where: a = x, y, d, l1, l2, or μ
t = t1 - t0 (decimal hours) and t0 = 8.000 TDT
The Besselian elements were derived from a least-squares fit to elements
calculated at five uniformly spaced times over a six hour period centered at t0.
The Besselian elements are valid over the period 5.00 ≤ t0 ≤ 11.00 TDT.
Note that all times are expressed in Terrestrial Dynamical Time (TDT).
Saros Series 142: Member 22 of 72 eclipses in series.
Instant of Greatest Eclipse: Time = 07:31:10.9 UT Lat = 39°27.4'S Long = 059°33.4'E (GE) Sun Altitude = 72.2° Path Width = 87.0 km Sun Azimuth = 15.8° Central Duration = 02m03.8s Instant of Greatest Duration: Time = 07:31:56 UT Lat = 39°34'S Long = 059°53'E (GD) Sun Altitude = 72.2° Path Width = 86.9 km Sun Azimuth = 14.2° Central Duration = 02m03.8s
Predictions for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2002 Dec 04 were generated using the VSOP87/ELP2000-85 solar and lunar ephemerides and a value of ΔT = 64.4 seconds. The luanr coordinates have been calculated with respect to the Moon's Center of Mass. They DO NOT include a correction to the Center of Figure, or the effects of mountains and valleys along the edge of the Moon.
All eclipse calculations are by Fred Espenak, and he assumes full responsibility for their accuracy. Permission is freely granted to reproduce this data when accompanied by an acknowledgment:
"Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC"
For more information, see: NASA Copyright Information
