As a rare total solar eclipse sweeps across North America on Monday, scientists eagerly anticipate gathering invaluable data spanning from the Sun’s atmosphere to intriguing animal behaviors, and potential effects on humans.
With the Sun nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, the stage is set for a breathtaking display. The corona, the Sun’s outermost atmosphere, will glow spectacularly as the Moon’s silhouette passes along the path of totality, stretching from Mexico to Canada via the United States.
NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy emphasized the “incredible scientific opportunities” presented by total solar eclipses. The US space agency plans to launch “sounding rockets” to study the effects on Earth’s upper atmosphere.
Here’s a glimpse of what researchers hope to uncover during the upcoming eclipse:
Sun’s atmosphere: When the Moon blocks the Sun, the elusive corona becomes visible in a unique way. Scientists aim to unravel mysteries surrounding phenomena like solar flares and prominences, which occur within the corona.
Earth’s atmosphere: The eclipse offers a chance to study changes in the ionosphere, crucial for communication and navigation. NASA’s sounding rockets will measure these changes to enhance understanding and predict potential disruptions.
Animal behaviors: Eclipses can trigger surprising animal behaviors, such as giraffes galloping and roosters crowing. Researchers, like Andrew Farnsworth from Cornell University, study how eclipses affect birds, providing insights into animal perception and reactions.
Human wonder: Eclipses evoke a sense of reverence for the universe. Research indicates that awe-inspiring experiences like eclipses can foster connections among people and beyond. Studies aim to explore if such experiences influence societal divisions.
Citizen scientists: Approximately 40 citizen science projects are planned for the eclipse, encouraging people to contribute observations through various means, from phone apps to recording ambient noise.
As the world awaits this celestial spectacle, scientists stand ready to unlock its mysteries, aided by both advanced technology and the collective observations of enthusiasts and experts alike.