After nearly seven years of anticipation, a total solar eclipse is set to grace the skies over the United States, Mexico, and Canada. An estimated 32 million people in the US reside within the path of totality, where the moon will completely obscure the sun.
The eclipse will commence over the South Pacific Ocean before journeying across North America. Mexico's Pacific coast marks the initial point of totality, with the eclipse expected to culminate on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. Those at the center line of the path will witness the eclipse for 3 ½ to 4 minutes.
In the US, states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and others will experience a total solar eclipse, while a partial eclipse will be visible outside the path of totality. It is crucial to use certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers to protect your eyes from solar retinopathy, a condition that can result from viewing the sun without proper eye protection.
Special phases to watch for during the eclipse include the partial eclipse, the darkening of the skies before totality, the formation of Baily's beads, and the diamond ring effect as totality begins. Scientists will utilize this rare event to study the sun's corona and observe the behavior of animals during the eclipse.
As the eclipse concludes, a diamond ring effect will be visible, followed by Baily's beads and a partial eclipse as the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth comes to an end. This celestial event promises to captivate millions and provide a unique opportunity for scientific exploration and wonder.
