when the solar eclipse experience
Answers
Answer:
The Solar Eclipse Experience
Explanation:
First Contact: The Eclipse Begins The Moon touches the Sun and takes its first tiny nibble out of the solar disk. First contact is initially visible through a telescope, then in binoculars, and finally with the unaided eye. Regardless of how you view it, observing with a safe solar filter is an absolute must.
The Vanishing Sun During the next hour or so, the Moon hides more and more of the Sun. It’s a leisurely affair, so you have plenty of time to look around. As the eclipse progresses, can you detect any change in the color and quality of the sky, the clouds, nearby objects, and distant landscapes?
Changing Light Once more than half the Sun is covered, the light begins to fade, though imperceptibly at first. About 15 minutes prior to totality, the light becomes noticeably dimmer and starts to take on an odd or eerie “tint.” Shadows become sharper and more detailed. Look away from the shrinking solar crescent — has there been a change in the color of the sky and clouds since the eclipse began?
Sharpening Shadows As the Sun dwindles to a thin crescent, shadows become much sharper. Look at your own shadow — notice how you can see the shadows of individual hairs on your head or arms.
Animal and Human Behavior As the sunlight dims, you may spot the local fauna acting in a peculiar manner. Many start to settle in as if night is falling. Notice the people around you — they’re likely more animated than any local wildlife!
Weather As totality nears, you may notice a perceptible drop in the temperature, and the wind may pick up or change direction.
Deepening Darkness Look west a few minutes before totality. Can you see the oncoming umbral shadow? Clouds on the horizon will go dark as the Moon’s shadow sweeps over them, making the approaching umbra more noticeable.
Changing Light Once more than half the Sun is covered, the light begins to fade, though imperceptibly at first. About 15 minutes prior to totality, the light becomes noticeably dimmer and starts to take on an odd or eerie “tint.” Shadows become sharper and more detailed.