On April 8th, 13 of the US states will be experiencing a total eclipse.
During a total solar eclipse, it’s like the moon’s stepping into the spotlight, blocking out the sun for a moment. It can be easier to imagine it as a cosmic game of hide-and-seek. The moon will slide between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow on our planet. Although the most exciting part is when the moon’s in just the right spot, it covers up the whole sun, turning day into a temporary night – very briefly. This moment of total darkness is called totality. It’s a natural phenomenon that never fails to leave us in awe of the wonders of the universe.
There is quite a lot behind an eclipse, but to break it down, it isn’t complete darkness. When the moon is covering the sun there is an outer layer of the sun that is still visible called the corona, which can most similarly resemble an aura. It leaves some light to be shed on Earth so we aren’t cast completely into blackness. In fact the sky won’t be black at all, it will be more of a twilight blue color.
The totality of the solar eclipse lasts about two hours; however, this is including from the time it begins descending towards the sun and until after its past its game of peek-a-boo. Although, the darkness that will be seen will only last 4 minutes.
Normally total solar eclipses occur every 18 months or so on Earth but it varies on the different locations of the solar eclipse’s path. It is more rare for it to land on such populated lands rather than the water which is the majority of our planet,which is why so many are excited for its appearance in the US.
The states it can be seen from are: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Additionally, partial phases of the eclipse will be visible from other parts of North America, including Mexico and Canada. Hope Bucklin (12) comments saying “I wished I could go and travel to one of those states;solar eclipses sound incredible.”
Although it may seem like a fun event, it is also very crucial for anyone who intends on viewing it to be protected.
You need protection during a solar eclipse because looking directly at the sun, even when it’s partially covered by the moon, can cause serious damage to your eyes. The intense solar radiation can harm the delicate tissues in your eyes, leading to vision loss or even blindness. If you plan on traveling within the path of the solar eclipse you need to protect your eyes using specially designed solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses. These glasses are equipped with special filters that block out the harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays from the sun.
