Things To Know About Today’s Total Solar Eclipse

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The moon will block the sun for approximately four minutes today, Monday, April 8, in a natural phenomenon known as a solar eclipse.

Many say the expected eclipse, which will sweep across North America, will be one of the most spectacular celestial events of recent times.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the sun’s face.

For residents of the United States, where some of the eclipse will be happening, it will particularly be a treat.

The last one was in August 2017, but an interval of seven years is unusual. The previous one before that took place in 1979, and the next one will be in 2044.

Things To Know about the Solar Eclipse

There are different kinds of eclipses, which inlcludes solar, lunar, annular, partial, and hybrid. Depending on how they align, they provide a unique, exciting view of either the sun or the moon.

While eclipse season happens twice a year, a solar eclipse only happens occasionally because the moon does not orbit in the same plane as the Sun and Earth.

As such, people in the centre of the moon’s shadow will experience a total eclipse when it hits Earth.

The sky will darken and if there is favourable weather, those located in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is otherwise usually obscured by the bright face of the sun.

Countries that will witness Solar Eclipse

Mexico’s Pacific coast is the first point of totality on the path, expected at 11:07 a.m. PT (19:07 p.m. local time) before the eclipse begins its journey across North America.

The total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Mexico, Canada, and more than 10 US states, while a crescent-shaped partial eclipse is expected to appear in 49 other states — if the weather permits.

How To View Solar Eclipse

Except during the brief total phase when the moon shrouds the sun, solar viewing is not safe without specialised eye protection.

Those living in the path of totality have a front-row seat to the eclipse. However, people in a different zone can watch NASA’s live stream here.

Also, via NASA’s Eclipse Explorer, you can enter any US address or zip code to find out what will be visible from that location.

Solar Eclipse Impact On The Planet

During a solar eclipse, sunlight wanes and stops heating the ground, leading to a cooling effect on the lower atmosphere. This cooling can impact various aspects of the weather, such as inducing thunderstorms in areas where it isn’t cloudy, affecting wind patterns, increasing relative humidity, and even causing clouds to dissipate, especially low-level cumulus clouds.

The eclipse’s influence on weather can be observed not only during the event but also in the aftermath, with changes in wind direction and speed being noted during and after eclipses.