WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Astro Minute: A Solar Rarity - April Eclipse Part 1

Episode Date: March 21, 2024

Learn about what you'll see during the upcoming solar eclipse, and remember to practice safe viewing techniques.

Welcome to the Astro Minute, where we're exploring the universe 60 seconds at a time. I'm Lauren Smith, and something's about to happen that won't happen again until 2044. On April 8th of this year, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, casting its moving shadow across North America. All the U.S. will experience a partial solar eclipse, and those directly in the shadow's path, a total eclipse of the sun. As the eclipse begins, people in the path of totality will see the moon's shadow, approach from the west. Minutes before totality, twilight will fall, temperatures will drop,

and animals will prepare for night. Last bits of sunlight will form bright beads as they pierce through craters along the moon's edge. Finally, at totality, the sun's hidden corona will appear, surrounding the disc with its magnificent wispy loops. Remember to never, ever look at the sun, but follow safe viewing techniques. That's your astro-minute.