On Monday, a total solar eclipse will occur, allowing people in North America to experience the temporary darkening of the afternoon sky as the moon blocks the sun. The eclipse's path will cross Mexico, fifteen American states, and a small part of eastern Canada. The rest of America will be able to see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon covers part of the
sun's light. Solar eclipses happen when the sun, moon, and Earth align, causing the moon to cast a shadow on Earth by blocking the sun's light.
A total solar eclipse only occurs when there is a new moon. The rarity of a total eclipse is due to the fact that the moon's orbit is tilted and does not align perfectly with Earth's orbit around the sun. The eclipse will be visible in certain states such as Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, as well as parts of Canada including southern Ontario and Cape Breton. People outside the direct path of the eclipse can still participate by watching a partial solar eclipse or a NASA livestream.
During the total solar eclipse, there are several interesting phenomena to observe. As the eclipse progresses, the sky will darken, and the sun's atmosphere will create an illuminated halo known as the "diamond ring effect." Baily's beads, tiny beads of light created by the moon's terrain, will also be visible briefly. When the moon fully blocks the sun, eclipse glasses can be removed to view the total solar eclipse with the naked eye. If conditions are right, it may even be possible to see the "devil comet," Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, near Jupiter during the eclipse. While most people may not notice the eclipse, those who are aware and looking for it can witness this rare and special event.
Safety
It is very important to view a solar eclipse safely to avoid damaging your eyes. Regular sunglasses are not safe for your eyes so you will need special eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors. Eclipse glasses are much darker than normal sunglasses and are designed specifically for safe viewing during celestial events. It is important not to look at the sun through binoculars, telescopes, or camera lenses without proper solar filters. However, during the short period of totality when the moon fully blocks the sun, it is safe to look directly with the naked eye.
To protect against counterfeit eclipse glasses, one should ensure that the lenses have a silver appearance on the front and are black on the inside. The manufacturer's name, address, and the ISO logo with the code "IS 12312-2" should also be included.