Skywatchers are all set to witness one of the biggest celestial phenomena of 2024 – the total Solar Eclipse on April 8. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is closer to Earth than average and passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on Earth’s surface. The eclipse is set to traverse North America, making its way over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
According to scientists and experts, the rare event is expected to cause some unusual phenomena including several earthly disturbances and changes in the behaviour of animals.
- Abrupt Changes in Weather
During the total eclipse, the temperature can suddenly drop several degrees and the wind can change direction. A 2016 study found that an eclipse of any kind can cause the wind to start blowing in another direction.
2. Nature might go silent
The sudden darkness can make several birds and animals fall silent. According to experts the birds will start to flock about 20 minutes from totality, while some will quiet down. Farm animals, like cows and chickens, will walk back to the barn because they think it is now nighttime. Bees will also stop buzzing during totality and return to their hives.
3. Shadow bands
One of the rare phenomena to look for during the total solar eclipse is shadow bands. Shadow bands are unusual shadows that can be seen on the ground and buildings during an eclipse.
“Shadow bands are thin, wavy lines of alternating light and dark that can be seen moving and undulating in parallel on plain-coloured surfaces immediately before and after a total solar eclipse,” NASA said.
4. Celestial Guests
As the moon causes the day to turn to night, the darkness will reveal the stars in the sky as well as a few planets. The eclipse will make it easy to spot Venus and Jupiter, which will be in a similar area of the sky as the sun on April 8. As per Space.com, Venus, located around 15 degrees to the west of the sun, and Jupiter, 30 degrees east, may be visible to those looking afield in the sky during the eclipse.
The celestial alignment will also reveal the corona, the area of hot gas that surrounds the sun.