Heads Up! It's Eclipse Time
News: Space
It's a bright, sunny day…a lot like most other days, really. But then something happens. Suddenly, waves of light and dark shadows race across the ground. Darkness falls, and the air cools. You can even see the stars. As for the sun? It's just a soft, glowing ring of light. This is known as a total solar eclipse. On April 8, 2024, millions of people will get to experience it.
Scientists know all about total solar eclipses. It's when the moon passes between Earth and the sun. But long ago, people didn't understand why the sun suddenly vanished during the day. In ancient China, an eclipse meant bad news. People thought a dragon had eaten the sun!
Today, things are different. Scientists can predict when and where eclipses will happen. The total eclipse on April 8th will cast darkness across a huge part of North America. It will stretch over parts of Mexico. It will shade parts of the United States and Canada. More than 30 million people in the United States will be in the eclipse's path. This is called the path of totality. What does that mean? In these locations, the moon will fully block the sun. It will be dark for up to about 4 minutes. People will be able to see the sun's corona. This is gas that surrounds the sun. We usually can't see it. It's hidden by the sun's bright light.
Several big U.S. cities will be in the path of totality. Some of them are Dallas, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Many of these areas will be teaming up with NASA. They'll be hosting one-of-a-kind eclipse-watching events. Experts predict this will be the most watched total solar eclipse in history. But not just because of how many people will see it.
A total solar eclipse gives scientists a unique chance to study the sun. NASA plans to send spacecraft, jets, and balloons into space. This technology will help NASA carry out experiments and gather key information. Scientists are excited. They hope to learn more about eclipses than ever before.
Many say April's eclipse will be remarkable. Another total solar eclipse over the lower 48 states won't happen until 2044. Will you be in the path of totality? If so, enjoy the show!
Think about and discuss these questions:
Look at the map and table. When does the totality start in the city closest to where you live?
Do you think eclipses are worth celebrating? Why or why not?
Video credit: NASA
QUESTION 7
7 / 8
The article says:
Scientists know all about total solar eclipses…. But long ago, people didn't understand why the sun suddenly vanished during the day. In ancient China, an eclipse meant bad news. People thought a dragon had eaten the sun!
Which words from the passage help you understand the meaning of the word ancient?
bad news
know all about
during the day
long ago