Photographers all around the world scramble to capture the perfect shot, aiming their cameras at the stellar display above as “oohs” and “aahs” surround them. The crowd marvels at the sight of the sun’s corona shimmering against the darkened sky and for a brief moment, the world stands still.
On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass through the United States. According to NASA, several states will be experiencing a total solar eclipse. The closest places to Omaha that will be able to view this phenomenon include Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Illinois.
In Omaha, we will be able to see a partial eclipse. According to KETV, the eclipse will reach a maximum of 83% totality. The phenomenon will begin at 12:40 and will go until 3:10 PM, lasting two hours and 30 minutes.
This rare event occurs about one to two times every year. When the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, it casts a shadow on the Earth’s surface, briefly blocking out the sun’s rays. Many groups started booking hotel rooms last year to witness these events with friends and family.
An eclipse occurs when an alignment of the sun and moon causes the moon to block out the sunlight either partially (a partial eclipse) or completely (a total eclipse) depending on the observer’s location. During a new moon, the side of the moon facing the Earth is fully illuminated by the sun but appears dark to observers on Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us. As the moon moves in its orbit, it occasionally aligns perfectly with the sun, resulting in a breathtaking cosmic wonder.
Because of the sudden covering of the sun, the total solar eclipse will significantly impact the environment. During an eclipse, solar radiation decreases, leading to a drop in temperature in the eclipse crosses called the “path of totality.” According to the NASA website, this rapid cooling can disrupt weather patterns, causing changes in wind direction and atmospheric pressure.
NASA also reports that the sudden darkness during the day can confuse animals and disrupt their behavior, with birds sometimes ceasing their chirping and nocturnal animals becoming active.
“The first time I witnessed a 98% solar eclipse was in 2017. It was one of the coolest things I have experienced. For those 3 minutes, I heard crickets beginning to chirp, dogs start howling, and the birds stopped singing and began to prepare to go to bed,” astronomy teacher Robert Yakus said.
Despite their beauty, solar eclipses pose a significant danger to the eyes due to the intense brightness of the sun’s rays, NASA reports. Even when the moon partially obscures it. Staring directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause severe and permanent damage to the retinas, ultimately leading to blindness or vision impairment.
So, before watching the eclipse, it’s important to take a couple of precautions. Using regular sunglasses or homemade filters is not enough to protect your eyes from the sun. It is crucial to use proper protective gear like solar eclipse glasses designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Solar eclipse glasses can be purchased on Amazon, Target, Walmart, and many other sites.
This is especially true when looking through binoculars or telescopes to observe the solar eclipse. Adding a solar filter to the front aperture is just another way to protect your eyes from getting damaged.
Recognizing these safety measures, Yakus is excited to watch this striking event unfold in front of his eyes.
“Using my refracting telescope, I could put a solar lens on the front and I would be able to look directly at the sun and moon,” Yakus said. “A little fun fact is that the solar eclipse can happen only during a new moon, never a full moon, and we only have two new moons left this year.”
A new moon is one of many phases of the moon that have captivated researchers and astronomers worldwide.
According to NASA, eclipses serve as natural laboratories for studying the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. During a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely covers the sun, scientists can observe the corona, revealing key details about its structure and behavior.
“There used to be lots of studies going on during an eclipse because you only had three to five minutes to conduct them while at 100% totality,” Yakus said. “But now with proper protection, scientists can pop their fingers over the sun on their telescopes and make that glow [the corona] you only see during an eclipse appear.”
Technological advancements have revolutionized eclipse research, allowing scientists to use sophisticated instruments like spectrometers and high-resolution cameras. These tools enable precise analysis of the sun-moon-Earth system, uncovering new information about solar physics and atmospheric dynamics.
As we anticipate the upcoming solar eclipse, it’s crucial to appreciate both its beauty and potential hazards. Through careful observation and ongoing research, we continue to deepen our understanding of the interactions between our planet’s ecosystems.