Intro to Topic
On April 8th of this year, we experienced a total solar eclipse, which is when the Moon completely covers the Sun, blocking out all its light. On average, these solar eclipses occur every 12 years, with the next one occurring in 2044. In this episode, we will discuss viewing safety, paths of totality, and effects and phenomena of the eclipse.
Segment 1: Viewing Safety
One of the most asked questions about the eclipse is, “how do you actually view it?” While it is obviously a really cool thing to experience, you have to remember that it's still the Sun that you’re looking at, so it’s important to be safe.
Segment 2: Paths of Totality
Let’s talk about totality. There are different areas, or paths, during an eclipse where some areas of Earth will be able to see it happen more clearly than others will. For this years’ solar eclipse, it was most visible in both Mexico and Texas, but people in the path of totality were still able to view it.
Segment 3: Effects and Phenomena
Now talking about the effects of the eclipse, there have been reports of things like weird behavior in animals and dramatic temperature changes. We discuss what research tells us about different effects of the eclipse
Music Credits:
Moons- Patrick Patrikios
Research Citations:
https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/noaa-satellites-view-total-solar-eclipse#:~:text=Total%20solar%20eclipses%20are%20only,to%20an%20amazing%20cosmic%20coincidence.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/next-total-solar-eclipse-2044-2045/#:~:text=There%20will%20be%20eight%20total,23%2C%202044%2C%20NASA%20said.
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/types/
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/20-of-the-best-places-to-view-the-2024-great-north-american-eclipse/
https://www.space.com/36941-solar-eclipse-eye-protection-guide.html#:~:text=Most%20eclipse%20glasses%20and%20solar,light%20down%20to%20safe%20levels.
https://www.eclipseglasses.com/pages/solar-snap-directions
https://www.space.com/10-phenomena-to-see-and-photograph-april-total-solar-eclipse-2024#:~:text=During%20a%20solar%20eclipse%2C%20the,before%20second%20contact%20and%20totality.
