Skywatchers across North America are in for a rare treat today as a total solar eclipse plunges parts of the continent into darkness. The celestial event, which began over the South Pacific Ocean earlier this morning, will reach the Mexican coast at around 11:07 PST before making its way across the United States and into Canada. This is the first total solar eclipse to grace North American skies since 2017, and eager observers have been making travel plans and preparations for months to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Totality, the period during which the moon completely blocks the sun's light, will only be visible along a narrow path stretching from western Mexico through parts of the central United States and up into eastern Canada. Residents in this path will experience a brief twilight period lasting for up to several minutes, as day turns to a deep, unsettling darkness. The temperature is expected to dip momentarily, and some animal species may exhibit unusual behaviors in response to the sudden change in light.
For those outside the path of totality, the eclipse will still be a magnificent sight, albeit a partial one. The moon will appear to take a large bite out of the sun, creating a crescent-shaped silhouette. Even a partial eclipse, however, requires viewers to take special precautions to protect their eyes. Naked-eye viewing of the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. Specially designed solar filters are essential for safe viewing of the eclipse, and reputable vendors have reported a surge in sales in recent weeks.
Scientists are also using this total solar eclipse as an opportunity to conduct important research. The brief period of totality allows them to study the sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, which is normally obscured by the sun's bright light. Telescopes and other specialized equipment will be trained on the corona, revealing its wispy tendrils and providing valuable data about solar activity.
Total solar eclipses are relatively rare occurrences. While a solar eclipse takes place somewhere on Earth every 18 months on average, totality can only be witnessed from a narrow band on the Earth's surface. For a specific location, experiencing a total eclipse is an even more extraordinary event, occurring only once every few centuries. The last time a total eclipse crossed this part of North America was in August 2017, and the next one won't be visible until the year 2034. Today's eclipse promises to be a memorable event for all those fortunate enough to witness it, either in person or through the magic of live streams and high-definition broadcasts.