| The total solar eclipse on April 8 is a rare occurrence — the shadow of the moon will swallow a narrow strip of land into darkness during midday, which is an immensely surreal experience but will be accessible to millions of people. The total eclipse in April will fall over more places in the United States than the previous and following ones. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the broad length of the path of totality, which is where Americans will catch the best shot of getting a clear view, will be “much wider” than it was for the one in 2017. A total solar eclipse is significantly more impressive than a lunar or an annular solar eclipse. During an annular eclipse, the moon veils the Sun but leaves a “ring of fire” as some call it, or an outside ring, darkening the sky rather than dipping Earth into a night-like darkness, which is what exclusively occurs during a total solar eclipse. And a lunar eclipse, with the appearance of a blood moon, occurs when the moon passes into the Earth’s shadow, says NASA. Additionally, according to a post from NASA, the differences of the eclipse in 2024 from the other ones in the path, timing, and scientific research could be what makes this one even more exciting. And like past similar natural phenomena, April’s eclipse is expected to evoke strong emotional reactions from the people who observe it. Another reason this April’s total solar eclipse is not a thing to miss is because the next one won’t happen for 20 years on Aug. 23, 2044 according to NASA. Also, the 2044 eclipse will not be as accessible as this one as the path of totality will only cover the states of Montana and North and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society. Another total eclipse will pass over the U.S. a year later in 2045 that will be relatively more accessible for Americans, including those residing in California, Florida, and Nevada. Article Citation: Jimenez, K. (2024, March 27). What’s the big deal about the April 2024 total solar eclipse? why it’s so interesting. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/09/why-is-the-april-2024-total-eclipse-a-big-deal/72853143007/ Image Citation: Kaffer, N. (2024, March 29). As April 8 total solar eclipse approaches, don’t worry: An animal isn’t eating the sun. Detroit Free Press. https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/columnists/nancy-kaffer/2024/03/29/total-eclipse-myths-folklore-biblical-meanings/73111876007/ |
Categories: Natural Science
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