Changes in solar irradiance and atmospheric turbidity in Costa Rica during the total solar eclipse of July 11, 1991

Abstract

Solar global radiation was measured in several places in Costa Rica during the total solar eclipse that ocurred in July 11, 1991. In two of these places, Puntarenas and Santa Cruz, measurements in yhe ultraviolet range (295-385nm) were also taken. In Santa Cruz, a normal incidence pyrheliometer with Schott filters OG530 and RG630 was used to measure direct solar radiation in its whole range, and in the 530-2800 nm and 630-2800 wavebands respectively. Global radiation, and consequently direct, diffuse and irradiance in any of the wavebands respectively. Global radiation, and consequently direct, diffuse and irradiance in any of the wavebands considered, decreased gradually as the sun was being eclipsed and reached zero during the totality, then increased to their normal values. Data registered in Santa Cruz were used to determine Angstrom´s atmospheric turbidity parameters a and B. Computations show that between 13:00 and 14:30 LT (local time), a decreased and B increased significantly. This indicates that atmospheric turbidity was high and large particles were more abundant than small ones. The size of hygroscopic particles increased during the eclipse when temperature decreased and relative humidity increased in a comparatively short time.