What To Expect During Totality? Here's a Guide to the April 8 Solar Eclipse Across North America

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will sweep North America, with totality exclusive to a 115-mile path.

Totality, a brief darkness when the moon fully covers the sun, will last up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds in parts of Mexico and up to 2 minutes, 52 seconds in Newfoundland, Canada.

Five Spectacular Sights During Totality

Totality is a moving experience that unfolds in chronological events. Here's a list of what to watch for:

Shadow Bands

Before and after totality, approximately 30 seconds each way, shadow bands that look like wavy lines running in parallel might appear on even surfaces, like the ground or a building As per NASA, the origin of these bands, possibly a consequence of polarized light from the crescent sun interacting with Earth's atmosphere, remains not entirely understood.

Sun's Corona

During totality, the Sun's corona becomes visible. The corona takes on a whitish hue with a spiky appearance as the moon briefly obscures the intense light from the sun's disk and photosphere. This stunning natural phenomenon is one of the most beautiful sights, and it is completely safe to observe directly with the naked eye.

Solar Prominence

Prominences, manifested as pinkish towers and loops, are electrically charged plasma loops that erupt from the Sun's surface, often reaching lengths many times greater than Earth. As the Sun approaches solar maximum, the upcoming April 8 total eclipse promises an abundance of spectacular prominences.

360-Degree sunset Horizon

The eclipsed sun will be indeed captivating during totality, but a 360-degree sunset horizon will also be seen. It is a breathtaking panorama created by standing within the moon's shadow. Amidst this dusky landscape, also noticeable is the exceptionally bright Venus, casting its radiant glow alongside the eclipsed Sun, as well as Jupiter adds to the celestial splendor of the moment.

Chromosphere, Bailey's Beads, and Diamond Ring

As totality concludes, witness the reddish chromosphere line, followed by Bailey's beads merging into a dazzling diamond ring. This brightness marks the end of totality, prompting a shift to shadow band observation. Once you glance at the partial eclipse again, remember to use your solar eclipse glasses promptly. Note that these phenomena may occur at the onset of totality, just in reverse order, but their impact is heightened at its conclusion.

What People Will See Outside of the Path of Totality?

Unlike a total solar eclipse, which condenses its excitement into a brief span, a partial eclipse allows for leisurely observation from any location. Viewers situated about 2,600 miles (4,200 km) on either side of the totality path will witness a partial eclipse, marked by the moon creating a subtle indentation on the sun's edge.

Through a properly filtered telescope, lunar mountains can be discerned roughening the curve of the moon's limb. As minutes pass, the indentation grows and deepens, transforming the sun into a crescent shape. In a partial eclipse, this indentation appears to move around the sun's limb, progressing roughly from west to east.

During the eclipse, enthusiasts can capture the moon's movement with drawings and photos, concealing sunspots temporarily. Observers with small telescopes can try to time when the moon's disk appears against the sun, holding historical significance for navigation, as seen with Capt. James Cook in 1766.

Check out more news and information on Solar Eclipse in Science Times.