When can we witness a total solar eclipse in the Philippines? Kuya Kim answers

Millions of people in North America looked up at the sky in awe as they witnessed the momentary darkness during the total solar eclipse.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, the phenomenon dubbed The Great American Solar Eclipse was seen in some parts of Mexico, Eastern Canada, and 15 US states.

However, this was not visible in the Philippines.

"May kalawakan ang coverage ng eclipse track. More or less 150 to 160 kilometers," Engr. Mario Raymundo said.

Among those who witnessed the eclipse was Filipina Ricci Marañon, a medical technologist in New York.

"'Yung mga libraries, science centers, they're giving away free eclipse na glasses. Tapos binigyan kami ng film, manipis lang 'yung X-ray film. Ginawa namin, finold namin into half, tapos 'yun, makikita mo na siya. Same lang 'yung results," she said.

It was also witnessed by Paola Valderrama, who is currently in Arkansas.

"Mga 1:30 ano pa lang siya, parang quarter at 1:52 to 1:55, three to four minutes 'yung ni-last nung total solar eclipse," she said.

Kuya Kim said that our location is the reason why we didn't see the Great American Solar Eclipse in the Philippines.

"'Yung mga eclipses, 'yung tracking ng mga 'yan ay depende sa location. Subjective din 'yan doon sa mismong orbit ng moon kung saan sa kanilang area natapat, hindi po sa atin," Raymundo said.

So when can we see a total solar eclipse in the Philippines?

On April 20, 2042, a total solar eclipse will be witnessed by those on Panay Island in Visayas.

An eclipse is called a total solar eclipse when the moon completely covers the sun, while it is called a partial solar eclipse when only a part of the sun's disk is covered by the moon.

There is also the annular solar eclipse, which happens when the moon is too far away to completely cover the sun.

"Nung 2019, nagkaroon ng isang annular solar eclipse kung saan 'yan ay dumaan sa may Balut Island, doon sa pinakadulong bahagi ng Pilipinas," Raymundo said.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News