Scientists plan sky experiments during 4-minute solar eclipse darkness

Only Earth offers the chance to witness a total solar eclipse within our solar system. Every 18 months or so, parts of Earth experience a solar eclipse, creating excitement worldwide. On April 8, a particularly noteworthy event will occur: a total solar eclipse. This eclipse will cast some areas of North America into complete darkness for four minutes and nine seconds.

The eclipse will be visible from Canada through North America to Mexico. NASA scientists are especially interested in this eclipse because it lasts longer than previous ones. They've planned numerous experiments to take advantage of this extended period of darkness.

The total solar eclipse, according to Indian Standard Time (IST), will commence at 9:12 pm on April 8, with totality starting at 10:08 pm and concluding on April 9, 2024, at 2:22 am. Initially, the Pacific coast of Mexico will experience totality around 11:07 am PDT, with the event ending in Maine at approximately 1:30 pm PDT.

Rare total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse is a rare event, and it's even more unusual for all three countries—America, Canada, and Mexico—together witness it for the first time in this century.

The Moon, though much smaller than the Sun, appears the same size because it's about 400 times closer to Earth. When the Moon aligns directly between the Sun and Earth, it creates an eclipse by blocking the Sun's light.

Sometimes solar eclipses are visible, and sometimes they're not. However, this upcoming eclipse is significant because millions of people will have the opportunity to witness it. An estimated 3.1 million people are expected to observe this event.

At North Carolina State University, researchers will study the eclipse's impact on wildlife. The Texas State Zoo will monitor the behavior of 20 animals during the event.

NASA's Eclipse Soundscapes Project will also study animal behavior during the eclipse by recording sounds and reactions using microphones.

What is NASA's preparation?

NASA will launch three rockets from its Wallops Base in Virginia to study changes in the atmosphere during the solar eclipse. Led by Aaroh Barjatya, these rockets will reach a height of 420 kilometers before returning to Earth. One will launch 45 minutes before the eclipse, another during it, and the last 45 minutes after.

The study will focus on the ionosphere, a protective layer that reflects radio waves and affects satellite communications. This eclipse offers a rare opportunity to understand these fluctuations in detail.

NASA's High Altitude Research Plane will capture images of the eclipse from 50,000 feet, following its path from Mexico. Additionally, a balloon project will record atmospheric changes with 600 balloons equipped with instruments flying up to 35 kilometers high.

Astronauts aboard the Parker Solar Probe, European Space Agency, NASA's Solar Orbiter, and the International Space Station will also study the eclipse's impact. Meanwhile, over a million people are expected to gather near Canada's Niagara Falls to witness the event.

To safely view the eclipse, it's crucial to protect your eyes. The Sun's surface is incredibly bright, and even a small glimpse can harm your retinal cells. Experts recommend wearing specially designed eclipse glasses during the partial phases to prevent damage. Failing to use proper eye protection can result in burns to the retina, leading to permanent damage or blindness.

Discoveries during solar eclipse

Studies during eclipses led to historic discoveries. Einstein's theory confirmed in 1919. Helium discovered in 1866 eclipse. Aristotle proved Earth's roundness during lunar eclipse.