As of: April 9, 2024, 5:05 a.m
By: Tanja Banner
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A spectacular spectacle will take place on April 8th: a total solar eclipse meets increased solar activity. Researchers are electrified.
Munich – A remarkable natural event awaits parts of North America on April 8th: a total solar eclipse. This rare phenomenon occurs during a period of increased solar activity, making it even more extraordinary. Scott McIntosh, a solar physicist, characterizes the active Sun as a "very irritable little hedgehog," indicating the intensity of upcoming solar activity.
The Sun's magnetic poles change every eleven years, resulting in an eleven-year cycle of solar activity. Currently, the sun is reaching its peak activity, meaning experts are predicting more solar flares and solar storms. This increased activity makes the upcoming solar eclipse a particularly impressive event.
Total solar eclipse coincides with increased solar activity
The increased solar activity may make the total solar eclipse on April 8 more dynamic. For observers, this offers a unique chance to see the Sun in a state that only occurs once every eleven years. The combination of total darkness and increased solar activity promises a spectacular spectacle.
Under no circumstances should you look at the sun without special solar eclipse glasses - the consequences can be serious eye damage and permanent blindness. (Archive image) © imago/Ralph Peters
During a total solar eclipse, when the full moon completely blocks sunlight, observers can see the sun's otherwise invisible corona. Normally, the bright light from the sun's disk outshines the corona, but during a total solar eclipse, the sun's outer atmosphere becomes visible. This offers a rare opportunity to view the corona without endangering the eyes.
A total solar eclipse is “very dramatic and amazing”
But even without the current increased solar activity, a total solar eclipse is impressive to observe. "When the sun's disk is completely obscured by the moon, daylight goes from bright sunlight to a very eerie twilight within seconds," former NASA employee Fred Espenak told ABC News. “It will be so dark that you can see bright stars and planets, so it will be very dramatic and amazing,” adds Espenak. “Most people react very emotionally when they see a total solar eclipse.”
Even Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks should be visible during totality. John Mulchaey of the Carnegie Institution for Science also emphasizes the fascination of a total solar eclipse on CNN: “Unless you have seen a total solar eclipse, it is almost impossible to describe it.” He adds: “If you see totality, you can you can see how it has had such a great influence on people over thousands of years. It’s one of the most beautiful things most people will ever experience.”
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Total solar eclipse on April 8th will be used for science
The total solar eclipse on April 8th is more than just an impressive natural spectacle; it also allows science to learn more about the sun and its effects on the Earth. Scientists use such events to study the Sun and its atmosphere, improving our understanding of the solar system and its dynamics. But even for those who are not interested in science, the next solar eclipse will be fascinating to observe: after all, the phenomenon shows the processes taking place in our solar system. (tab)
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