It's a bright, sunny day, but suddenly, rippling waves of light and dark shadows race across the ground as the sun's light quickly fades. Darkness falls, the stars become visible, and the air cools. A wispy, glowing halo of white hangs behind the moon in the eerily darkened sky. This event is known as a total solar eclipse. On April 8, 2024, millions of people will get to experience this spectacle. And anticipation for the Great North American Total Eclipse is sky high.
Modern scientists understand solar eclipses as natural and predictable occurrences. But long ago, people didn't understand why the sun vanished during the day. In ancient China, people thought a dragon had devoured the sun. But not all ancient peoples thought a total solar eclipse was bad news. Some cultures believed an eclipse signaled an act of creation. They thought more stars and planets would soon appear.
Scientists now know these events as a total solar eclipse. On April 8th, the moon will pass between Earth and the sun. This will cast temporary darkness across a huge section of North America. The path of the eclipse will be 115 miles (185 kilometers) wide. It will stretch across parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. More than 30 million people in the United States will be inside the path of 100 percent totality. That means they'll be able to view the total solar eclipse from their own backyards. For up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, the moon will fully conceal the sun. And skygazers inside the eclipse's path will be able to see the sun's corona. It's the outermost layer of delicate gas that's usually hidden by the sun's bright light.
April's eclipse will occur over a very densely populated region. Naturally then, it's bound to be marked by some colossal celebrations. Numerous major U.S. cities are positioned for prime viewing. They include Dallas, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Many locales will be teaming up with NASA to host one-of-a-kind festivities. The "Eclipse over Texas: Live from Waco" event, for example, will host eclipse chasers at a giant outdoor arena. Experts predict this will be the most watched total solar eclipse in history. But not just because of the number of people enjoying a front-row seat.
Madhulika Guhathakurta is a solar scientist at NASA. Guhathakurta said a total solar eclipse is a priceless opportunity to study the sun. NASA plans to send spacecraft, jets, and balloons into space. This state-of-the-art technology will enable NASA to conduct experiments and collect data during the event. Scientists are particularly stoked about the 2024 eclipse because of its timing. Other eclipses have occurred during quieter solar conditions. But this eclipse will be different. It will occur when the sun is near the peak of its roughly 11-year activity cycle. Scientists are hopeful. They predict that this event will yield more thorough eclipse data than ever before.
The Great North American Eclipse will be remarkable, though fleeting. Another total solar eclipse over the lower 48 states won't happen until 2044. Some scientists are certain that April's eclipse will leave a lasting impression.
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?
The article talks mainly about __________.
how ancient cultures' beliefs about eclipses differed from modern understanding
how modern technology supports a more thorough study of eclipses
why the 2024 solar eclipse is an important event for society and scientists
why the sun's corona will be briefly visible during the 2024 solar eclipse