A total solar eclipse will be visible in North America, crossing through Mexico, the United States, and Canada on Monday. This eclipse is expected to last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, longer than the 2017 eclipse which lasted up to 2 minutes and 42 seconds. Eclipse enthusiasts are gathering in places along the “path of totality”, such as Fredericksburg in Texas, where the total eclipse will occur shortly after 1:30 pm. Veteran eclipse chaser Michael Zeiler, who has witnessed 11 total eclipses around the world, plans to be in Fredericksburg to experience this natural phenomenon.
The upcoming eclipse is anticipated to be a “data gathering bonanza” for researchers, with the deployment of high-altitude balloons, a 4km-long kite pointing an instrument at the sun, rockets launching from an island in Virginia, and jets flying inside the path of totality to collect valuable data. This eclipse is expected to provide more opportunities for research due to advancements in technology, the increased use of smartphones, and the presence of more research centers along the path of totality. NASA states that total eclipses can last anywhere from 10 seconds to about seven-and-a-half minutes, making this upcoming eclipse a significant event for scientists to study.
Cities along the path of totality include Mazatlan, Mexico; San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario; and Montreal, Quebec. In addition to these cities, millions of people in the US are within the path of totality, with federal officials predicting another five million individuals will travel to witness the eclipse. It will take approximately 80 minutes for the moon to cover the sun and reach totality, and then another 80 minutes to complete the process in reverse. Eclipse viewers are reminded to use protective solar glasses to prevent eye damage when looking at the sun, except for the few minutes of totality when it is safe to view without glasses.
The total solar eclipse is anticipated to be a peak life experience for first-time viewers, with Michael Zeiler describing the sight as “gobsmacking”. This natural phenomenon is a rare occurrence that captivates millions of people around the world as the moon completely blocks the sun for a brief period. Al Jazeera’s Colin Baker emphasizes the significance of this eclipse for researchers, as it presents a unique opportunity to gather valuable data using various instruments and technologies. With the advancements in research tools and the increased interest in eclipses, it is likely that more data will be collected during this total solar eclipse than ever before.
Overall, the total solar eclipse that will be visible in North America presents a significant opportunity for scientists, researchers, and eclipse enthusiasts to witness and study this awe-inspiring event. Millions of people are expected to gather along the path of totality to experience the eclipse, with experts advising the use of protective solar glasses to prevent eye damage. With the eclipse lasting up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, this event will provide a longer viewing experience for those fortunate enough to be in the right location. This eclipse is not only a visual spectacle but also an opportunity for scientific discovery and research, making it a truly unique and exciting event for all involved.
