Editor’s note: Stay updated with CNN’s live coverage of the total solar eclipse.
CNN
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The recent total solar eclipse, crossing Mexico, the United States, and Canada, has now finished its passage over continental North America.
The final observers of this remarkable celestial event were individuals on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, witnessing the eclipse at 5:16 p.m. local time (3:46 p.m. ET).
Mazatlan, along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, had the earliest totality experience on Monday. Subsequently, Texas was shrouded in darkness as the eclipse captivated onlookers despite cloudy conditions. Following this, cities and towns in the midwestern US, including Indianapolis and Cleveland, were treated to this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Observers situated directly within the path of totality witnessed an eclipse lasting between 3 ½ to 4 minutes, as confirmed by NASA.
Approximately 32 million individuals in the US resided within the path of totality, affording them a view of the total solar eclipse in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and more, although inclement weather cast a shadow on some viewing experiences.
Favorable conditions for eclipse viewing with only isolated clouds were predicted in certain regions from Vermont to Maine and Missouri to southern Indiana. However, regions like Texas and the eastern Great Lakes were cautioned about potentially unfavorable weather. Meanwhile, individuals outside the path of totality could witness a partial solar eclipse.
Richard Canedo, a long-time Planetary Society member, creatively utilized the cloudy backdrop in Fredericksburg, Texas, using it as a natural filter to capture the total eclipse on camera.
In Fredericksburg, Texas, amidst sporadic clouds, a crowd witnessed more than four minutes of total darkness as the fully eclipsed sun made a dramatic appearance, eliciting loud cheers and expressions of astonishment.
A striking ring, possibly indicating a prominence, was visible during totality, drawing excitement from the observers, including Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye.
Bill Nye, enthralled by the event, shared his joy with the audience in Texas, highlighting the magical experience of witnessing the eclipse together.
Thousands congregated at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the sole NASA facility within the totality path, marking the significance of this celestial event.
FAQs about Total Solar Eclipses:
Q: What is a total solar eclipse?
A: A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun, casting a shadow on Earth.
Q: How often do total solar eclipses happen?
A: Total solar eclipses are rare events that happen every 18 months somewhere on Earth, but the same location may only witness one every few hundred years.
Q: Can you look directly at a total solar eclipse?
A: It is unsafe to look directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection as it can cause serious eye damage or blindness.
Q: Where was the recent total solar eclipse visible?
A: The recent total solar eclipse was observed in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with varying degrees of visibility across different regions.
and even Snoopy made an appearance, all wearing eclipse glasses.
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Ensuring safe viewing, it was crucial to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/01/world/total-solar-eclipse-glasses-wellness-scn/index.html" rel="noopener">get certified eclipse glasses or a solar viewer</a> before looking up at the skies. The primary risk of gazing at the sun without proper protection like eclipse glasses or solar viewers is the potential for enduring eye damage, referred to as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/07/health/eclipse-eye-damage-case-study/index.html" rel="noopener">solar retinopathy</a>. This eye condition may either get better or worse over time, but regrettably, there is no specific treatment available for it.
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If any symptoms are noticed or if there's any discomfort in the eyes, it is advised to promptly schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. Ronald Benner, an optometrist and the president of the American Optometric Association, suggested using the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctor?sso=y&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=Sitelink&utm_term=Doctor%20Locator&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn7mwBhCiARIsAGoxjaL1wtstsEZsodBw8PpXKLcslhpFZz8Zy-3BfgRrUc1dhcidZZaL648aAiXIEALw_wcB" rel="noopener">American Optometric Association’s doctor locator</a> as one helpful resource.
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Benner mentioned, “For most individuals, it results in a change in color vision. The following day, colors may appear distorted, faded, or consistently blurry. Others may even experience missing spots in their field of vision.”
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While the total solar eclipse's totality is widely regarded as the most thrilling phase, there were several <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/01/world/total-solar-eclipse-phases-scn/index.html" rel="noopener">distinct phases to observe</a> leading up to the main event.
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Besides the weeks and months of anticipation building up to the eclipse, the lengthiest phase was the partial eclipse, spanning 70 to 80 minutes as the moon gradually crossed in front of the sun.
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A key indicator for viewers was the darkening of the skies and a peculiar gray hue, occurring approximately 15 to 20 minutes before totality.
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Subsequently, there were rapid successive phases just prior to the complete vanishing of sunlight from sight.
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Observers witnessed sunlight creating droplets around the moon, known as Baily’s beads, as it illuminated the craters and valleys on the lunar surface. Just before totality, these droplets seemed to combine, forming a shimmering "diamond ring" effect about a minute prior.
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Throughout totality, only the bright glow from the sun's corona, its hot outer layer, and its subtle light were visible once the blinding solar surface was obscured.
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Aside from totality being the main attraction, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and the faint glow of Saturn were also noticeable in the sky during the eclipse.
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As the ephemeral darkness settled during the total eclipse, diurnal zoo animals were observed preparing for rest, while nocturnal creatures like owls and ringtails began to show activity, as reported by researchers from the Fort Worth Zoo and Dallas Zoo in Texas. Through citizen projects, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/13/world/eclipse-zoo-animal-behavior-nasa-soundscapes-scn" rel="noopener">public had the opportunity to participate</a> in some of the research conducted on that day.
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Moreover, during the brief moments of totality, local temperatures experienced a drop of up to
FAQs:
Q: Why is it important to wear eclipse glasses?
A: Eclipse glasses are essential to protect your eyes from permanent damage when viewing the sun during an eclipse.
Q: What is solar retinopathy?
A: Solar retinopathy is a condition that can result from looking at the sun without proper eye protection, leading to irreversible eye damage.
Q: What are some symptoms of eye damage from viewing an eclipse?
A: Symptoms may include altered color vision, blurry or faded vision, or even missing spots in the field of vision.
Q: What phases can be observed during a total solar eclipse?
A: Apart from totality, phases like Baily’s beads, the diamond ring effect, and the visibility of planets like Jupiter and Venus can be observed.
Q: How can the public participate in eclipse-related research?
A: Citizen projects often provide opportunities for the public to engage in eclipse-related research and contribute to scientific studies.Stay Updated with CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements, and more.
It’s a bit of a wait for the next celestial spectacle like this in the United States.
Those living in Alaska will catch a glimpse of a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033, and a partial solar eclipse will shine over most of the US during that event.
A total solar eclipse won’t be visible again from the contiguous US until August 22, 2044, but totality will only occur over North Dakota and Montana, plus northern Canada.
The next total solar eclipse with a coast-to-coast path spanning the Lower 48 states will occur on August 12, 2045. The path of totality will arc over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, with a partial eclipse visible across other states.
Don’t miss out on upcoming eclipse and space stories! Follow the Astronomy topic to see the latest stories in your personalized feed with your free account.
FAQs
- What is the significance of the Wonder Theory science newsletter from CNN?
The Wonder Theory science newsletter from CNN offers insights into fascinating discoveries and scientific advancements in the universe.
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When will the next total solar eclipse be visible in the United States after 2044?
The next total solar eclipse in the continental US will occur on August 12, 2045, with a path spanning several states.
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How can readers stay updated on eclipse and space stories according to CNN?
Readers can follow the Astronomy topic on CNN to receive the latest stories in their personalized feed with a free account.
