April's total solar eclipse promises to be the best yet for experiments
Time:2024-05-21 18:31:37 Source:opinionsViews(143)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — April’s total solar eclipse promises to be a scientific bonanza, thanks to new spacecraft and telescopes — and cosmic chance.
The moon will be extra close to Earth, providing a long and intense period of darkness, and the sun should be more active with the potential for dramatic bursts of plasma. Then there’s totality’s densely populated corridor stretching from Mexico to the U.S. to Canada.
Hundreds if not thousands of the tens of millions of spectators will double as “citizen scientists,” helping NASA and other research groups better understand our planet and star.
They’ll photograph the sun’s outer crownlike atmosphere, or corona, as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blotting out sunlight for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds on April 8. They’ll observe the quieting of birds and other animals as midday darkness falls. They’ll also measure dropping temperatures, monitor clouds and use ham radios to gauge communication disruptions.
Previous:Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Next:‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
You may also like
- Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
- HKFP Lens: Hong Kong through the eyes of photojournalist Wong Kan
- Māori wards ultimatum for councils as coalition government imposes referendums
- LIZ JONES: Kate's strength has made me ashamed. And there's one self
- Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
- Ministry of Health proposes 134 job losses
- JAN MOIR: Why JK Rowling SHOULDN'T forgive the weaselly band
- Hong Kong gov't contacts police over satirical fake press release congratulating porn star
- A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it